Two senior corrections staff stood aside, staff being counselled after unapproved mock armed holdup

Two senior Corrective Services NSW staff have been suspended after they staged an unauthorised “mock” armed holdup with a “fake firearms” and balaclavas during a staff meeting.

Maitland Community Corrections Office, where the ‘mock’ armed holdup took place. Picture: Supplied

An investigation has been launched and two senior Corrective Services NSW staff have been suspended after they staged an unauthorised “mock” armed holdup with a “fake firearms” and balaclavas during a staff meeting.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the incident occurred in the Maitland Community Corrections office with the two “criminals” bursting into the office as part of the unapproved training exercise.

Staff in the office are understood to have believed they were facing a live hostage threat, with the department offering those at the scene one-on-one counselling.

Community corrections staff manage convicted criminals in the community, including monitoring offenders with electronic bracelets, and those on parole.

The Maitland office is located in the Maitland central business district, near law firms, a dentist and the local RSL.

A department spokeswoman said the “unapproved scenario test” was staged by “a small number of staff” at the corrections office on July 3.

NSW Corrective services logo

“Two staff members have been placed on special leave while the matter is investigated,” the spokeswoman said.

“Corrective Services NSW provided immediate support to the staff that were subjected to the scenario once the incident was reported. This included on-site support from an EAPS provider to deliver 1-1 debriefing for staff as needed.

Maitland Community Corrections Office, where the mock holdup took place.

“All allegations of misconduct are referred to the Department of Communities and Justice Professional Standards and Investigation unit to ensure they are assessed and managed independently.”

A prison source said the “training exercise” had left staff “visibly shaken and distressed”.

“A (staff member) and colleague conducted an unauthorised mock training exercise at the Maitland Community Corrections office, without informing staff or police,” the source said.

“Wearing a balaclava and replica firearm, they simulated an arm holdup scenario, which left staff visibly shaken and distressed due to the lack of prior warning or preparation, this is illegal.”

Man with a mask. Picture: iStock

Community Corrections conduct regular drills to ensure staff safety and understanding of emergency procedures.

However, it is understood emergency response drills that replicate a real-life scenario are undertaken in controlled environments by trained staff with appropriate consultation undertaken with relevant emergency services such as NSW Police before they occur.

Another source familiar with the incident claimed the “fake guns” were not unlike “nerf blasters”.

The “offenders” entered the staff meeting with their faces covered.

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