Jail workers warned to remove uniforms

THE Corrections department has received a number of “veiled or generalised threats of harm or damage to property”, a leaked email from the Commissioner to his staff reveals

THE Corrections department has received a number of “veiled or generalised threats of harm or damage to property”, a leaked email from the Commissioner to his staff reveals.

Corrections Commissioner Mark Payne asked staff to reconsider wearing their uniforms outside of work to avoid being targeted by angry community members.

“I ask all staff to ensure that particularised threats of harm to any of our employees or damage to our facilities, vehicles or property is immediately reported to your local management team to ensure that a report is made to the Northern Territory Police,” Mr Payne said in the electronic message, sent late Monday afternoon.

“I am aware that some critics have taken to social and other forms of electronic messaging to post views that are quite distressing,” he wrote.

“I ask all staff to maintain their professionalism and to refrain from entering into public dialogue in respect of this commentary”.

Mr Payne said it had been a “difficult” 24 hours for the entire department, particularly those working in youth justice.

“Additionally, and to reduce the burden of phone and email complaints being received to operational staff in their workplace, a dedicated complaint line and email account have been established and is being monitored from headquarters,” he wrote.

A spokesman for former Corrections Minister John Elferink, who will retain is position as Attorney-General and holds on to the mental health, justice, and family and children’s health portfolios, said his electoral office had been “trashed” and “serious threats” had been made against Mr Elferink and his family.