Prison lockdowns a result of understaffing, report finds

Tasmania’s prison system is understaffed and poor record-keeping means prisoners sometimes don’t know when they are getting out.

An increase in the number of lockdowns at Risdon Prison is a result of chronic staff shortages, a report has found. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

CHRONIC understaffing at Risdon Prison was contributing to repeated lockdowns, the Custodial Inspector says.

In his annual report tabled in State Parliament today, Custodial Inspector Richard Connock said carrying out his role was made more difficult by his limited resources.

Among his findings was an observation the prison system is struggling to keep track of how long adult prisoners’ sentences were.

“There were deficiencies in reporting, and the maintenance of accurate records and

registers,” Mr Connick wrote.

“Incorrect or uncertain calculation of prisoner sentences and remission was contributing

to poor prisoner behaviour and mental health.”

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Custodial Inspector Richard Connock has hit out at staff shortages within the prison system.

The report said increasing prisoner numbers was causing multiple problems, including two and three inmates being held in cells designed for one – something that increased tension between prisoners.

“In the 2018-19 financial year, the biggest challenge for the Tasmanian Prisons Service appears to have shifted towards staffing shortages with daily ‘holes’ in the roster creating pressures for staff, ultimately resulting in an increase in overtime costs and a generally fatigued workforce,” the report said.

“Of considerable concern, and highlighted in the Inspection of Adult Custodial Services 2018:

Custody Inspection Report, is the issue of lockdowns at Risdon Prison Complex due to staff shortages.

“That is to say, TPS is unable to meet the agreed prisoner-to-custodial-staff ratio and to mitigate safety and security risks, the prison is locked down.”

The undertaffing has resulted in higher overtime costs and a “generally fatigued workforce”, the report said. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Mr Connock said lockdowns restricted prisoners’ time out of their cells, cut off education, rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities and meant visits with family and friends were cancelled.

The report also identified issues with poor disciplinary procedures, ageing infrastructure, outdated equipment, poor staff training and poor record keeping within the prison system.

Prisoners Legal Service chair Greg Barns said the report was “truly alarming”.

“It backs up what the PLS has said for a number of years – the Hodgman Government is presiding over one of the worst prison systems in Australia,” Mr Barns said.

“To have a system where there is uncertainty over release dates and non-parole periods for prisoners is developing world stuff. It is a serious reflection on the contempt this Government has for the wellbeing of prisoners that it has failed to heed the warnings from the Custodial Inspector last year about over crowding.”