Poor record keeping means the number of prison lockdowns cannot be known: Custodial Inspector

Tasmania’s Custodial Inspector has released a report into adult prisons in the state, raising concerns about poor record keeping, inappropriate accommodation and concerns about disciplinary processes

Risdon Prison. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

THE number of prison lockdowns in Tasmania cannot be known because of incomplete record-keeping, an annual inspection has found.

The Custodial Inspector’s latest report on adult custodial services was tabled in State Parliament yesterday and contained 90 recommendations, including improvements to record keeping.

Custodial inspector Richard Connock said the impact of lockdowns on prisoners was “severe and wide ranging”.

He said prisoners had limited access to education and counselling, planned visits were cancelled at short notice, and it was difficult to access telephones.

“Of concern, the inspection found that many lockdowns are not reported in the Tasmania Prison Service daily report,” Mr Connock said.

He said the Tasmania Prison Service had “many registers” but they often were not completed, were partially completed, or the incorrect information was entered.

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Mr Connock repeated concerns about ageing infrastructure at the Ron Barwick Minimum Security Prison at Risdon and the Launceston Reception Prison. The inspection also identified:

CONCERNS about prison disciplinary processes.

THAT there was no suitable place for prisoners needing protection.

NO specific training had been given to staff working in special high-security units.

LACK of understanding by prison workers about the importance of maintaining accurate business records.

MANY prison policies were outdated.

Corrections Minister Elise Archer said $70 million would be spent on a new remand prison at Risdon and $270 million would be spent on the new northern prison.