Surveillance, intelligence, jail keys, there’s no escape from prying eyes behind bars
THE Herald Sun went behind the scenes of maximum-security Port Phillip Prison, home to some of the state’s worst criminals, and discovered there is nowhere to hide inside.
Behind the Scenes
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INSIDE Port Phillip Prison, it is impossible to escape the feeling of being watched.
Countless sets of eyes — human and electronic — track you from the moment you arrive and all through the various units, corridors and the 13 accommodation blocks.
The Herald Sun was given unprecedented access to the maximum-security prison, home to some of the state’s worst criminals including mass murderer Julian Knight, bikie gunman Derek Bedson, police killer Jason Roberts and La Trobe campus shooter Jonathan Brett Horrocks.
VICTORIAN POLICE CELLS NEARLY FULL
WOMEN’S JAIL BURSTING AT THE SEAMS
WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE INSIDE A VICTORIAN PRISON
Security is rigorous, tactical and blunt. Everyone from the general manager to janitors and visitors are put through the same procedures.
Inmates endure a strip-search every time they enter and leave.
For the 120 visitors a day, all items they carry are scanned and mobile phones are taken, to be handed back upon leaving.
They are lined up and an officer checks clothing and hair before a sniffer dog searches for any signs of contraband. Only after these precautions can they see inmates.
Port Phillip, just 20 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD in the western suburb of Truganina, was designed for 600 inmates when it opened in 1997, but now houses more than 1000.
The dated hub of the original prison is surrounded by new fencing and gates, with additional units built over the years to house more inmates and offer more facilities.
Recently upgraded CCTV cameras ensure sharp footage of every movement within the prison walls, all fed into a security hub.
This all-seeing hub boasts a bevy of screens, while the latest tools include airport-style X-ray machines and contraband sensors, to work alongside full body scanners.
Staff can now obtain multiple views of incoming items when scanning various locations around the jail.
“Within minutes they were at each other, someone pulled out a shiv and attacked the other,” Mr Castle said.
“We do everything in our power to ensure we know as much as possible about each and every inmate that comes in, but it is impossible to know everything.”
Another officer said being alone potentially made you vulnerable, something every inmate wanted to avoid.
Power among inmates generally belongs to gangs, due to their ability to work in numbers across prison units. As a result, members are often separated or frequently moved.
Prison life isn’t pleasant, nor is it supposed to be. Cells are cramped, dimly lit and barely a full arm-span wide.
A normal cell contains a toilet, shower, desk, chair, hand basin, window, storage shelf, intercom, bed and a rather grim view of mile-high concrete walls and wired fencing.
Cells also have a TV that is see-through, preventing inmates from hiding contraband.
Of those not considered to be high risk, many are placed in the Borrowdale unit, which acts as a transition between mainstream and those potentially heading towards Charlotte, the most secure unit in the jail.
It’s the last chance inmates get to show they deserve some of the limited amenities most behind bars take for granted.
Those fresh to the prison are placed in one of two Matilda units. With a capacity of nearly 120 each, the units operate in a more relaxed environment than most as the yet-to-be-initiated wait to be placed into a mainstream cell.
An ATM-style machine called Unilink is set up in most units and allows inmates to organise their prison life without needing prison officers involved.
Only activated via fingerprint and inmate number, the machine allows them to join classes, organise visits, ask for medical treatment or buy a limited number of food or other items.
The Penhyn youth unit houses young adult inmates that separates first-time and young offenders, considered potentially vulnerable, from hardened criminals.
One unexpected rule among inmates is great respect towards the increasing number of woman officers. Those who attack female guards are often dealt with by other prisoners.
There is honour among thieves and even worse criminals. But most in Port Phillip will never want to come back and rediscover that.
Originally published as Surveillance, intelligence, jail keys, there’s no escape from prying eyes behind bars
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