Inspection of Kirkconnell Correctional Centre calls for cultural overhaul, staff counselling

NSW prison officers referring to inmates as “sex pests” and describing an accommodation unit as “the pound” are among a list of concerns fuelling calls for a cultural overhaul behind bars.

A cell at Kirkconnell Correctional Centre, photographed during an inspection last year. Picture: Supplied

Prison guards referring to male inmates as “sex pests” is among a list of concerns that have fuelled calls for a cultural overhaul at a NSW jail.

The NSW Inspector of Custodial Services has released more than 20 recommendations aimed at improving standards at the minimum-security Kirkconnell Correctional Centre following a four-day inspection of the prison, conducted in November last year.

The inspection report found there was “significant work” required to do to address the culture among workmates at the facility, which houses up to 200 inmates.

NSW Inspector of Custodial Services Fiona Rafter said there were “disappointing” incidents of staff using unprofessional language, including prison officers referring to inmates as “sex pests” and describing a multi-function accommodation unit as “the pound”.

Staff shortages, which resulted in the centre being locked down on a regular basis, were another concern.

Worn furniture at the prison. Picture: Supplied

Records also showed the $645,000 was spent on overtime costs in the 2022/2023 financial year.

In her report, Ms Rafter said “it would be disappointing if staffing issues resulted in the closure of this centre as it has much to offer the NSW correctional system”.

Kirkconnell Prison, photographed during the inspection. Picture: Supplied

Despite concerns, Ms Rafter praised actions taken by centre management to improve workplace practices, including providing counselling services to staff to address trauma and “compassion fatigue”.

The measures followed a review into allegations by female staff, relating to inappropriate sexual conduct by male staff in 2022, that Ms Rafter said highlighted the need for cultural reform at the prison

Other recommendations made following the inspection focused on ageing facilities at the prison, including black mould in accommodation units and damaged or missing flyscreens.

Ms Rafter said work was also needed to address inmates’ reluctance to make complaints for fear they may be moved to another correctional centre.

In all, she made 22 recommendations to Corrective Services NSW, including addressing staffing shortages and providing counselling services to female staff.

The recommendations also called on Corrective Services NSW to address maintenance issues and replace furniture that was damaged or unfit for purpose.

In a statement, Corrective Services NSW said it “welcomes the report” into the centre and was “carefully considering the recommendations”.

“Corrective Services NSW continually seeks to improve security, correctional centre design, access to education and health services, and inmate management in all of its correctional centres,” a spokesman said.

“We will issue a formal response to the report in due course.”

Kirkconnell Prison – built in 1958 – is located between Lithgow and Bathurst, about 180km west of Sydney.