Corrections NEWS - Queensland Corrective Services

Transcription

December 2005/January 2006
Season’s greetings and
best wishes for the
New Year
Corrections NEWS
Leaders in corrections: Partners
in criminal and social justice
Inside
Christmas wrapped up at our centres
Fast news
from around the State
Leaders in corrections:
Partners
in criminal andReview
social justice
of ELP training courses
2006 deparmental calendar
The year in review
Contents
New report honours staff achievements......3 Message from the Minister4 Intelligence and Investigation at work......5 Warwicks 10th
birthday celebrations6 New legislation Running a business from prison......7 From the DGs desk.....8 Piano order a fine option......9
The role of the Chief Inspector10 Praise for Mitchell WORCers11 Fast News......12-13 End of year graduations...... 14-15 Xmas warpped
up......16
Front cover photos: Clockwise from top: Jo Fraser and Jodie Gnech at the Warwick Womens Community Custody Program 10th birthday
celebrations; Noosa residents enjoy music by a former offender turned volunteer; and, from left, Tracey Leveridge (Hervey Bay), Michelle Webster
(Gympie), and Donna Brook (Noosa) at the Hervey Bay Strengthening Networks conference.
closes temporarily
SDL
Sir David Longland Correctional Centre (SDL) officially closed its doors
on November 25 ahead of its massive $76 million redevelopment and
expansion.
The temporary closure was accomplished two weeks ahead of
schedule.
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said that all 342 prisoners
had been transferred from SDL to new centres without disruption or
incident.
The size and scope of these prisoner transfers was meticulously
planned, with no margin left for error, she said.
The prisoners were transferred mainly to Woodford and Maryborough
correctional centres where existing accommodation had been
commissioned to facilitate the transfers.
Ms Spence thanked SDL staff for ensuring that all prisoners were
transferred weeks ahead of schedule and without incident.
Given that SDL housed some of the States most serious criminals,
this is a credit to all involved in the prisoner transfers, she said.
To commemorate the temporary closure of SDL, past and present staff
members gathered at the centre on the Friday for a barbecue lunch.
SDL Assistant General Manager Chris Burgess overseas the transfer of the last prisoners
from the centre
Jail tender appointed
Project management and construction company Bovis Lend Lease has been appointed as the preferred tender to undertake the redevelopment
and expansion of Sir David Longland and Arthur Gorrie correctional centres.
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said the company had already started design work on both correctional centres based on project
design briefs.
These projects are part of a $231 million pool being spend by the State Government over the next three years to boost capacity and security in
our state prisons, she said.
This massive infrastructure plan will create hundreds of local jobs throughout construction, and will create more positions for Corrective
Services staff.
The $76 million redevelopment of SDL will boost prisoner capacity from 342 beds to 558 beds, while $49.6 is being spent to expand Arthur
Gorrie from 710 beds to 890 beds.
Ms Spence said the infrastructure program was required to meet a predicted 90 per cent rise in Queenslands prisoner numbers by 2015.
Work is expected to start at SDL in February and will be completed by the end of 2007.
Arthur Gorries facelift, to commence in April next year, should be finished by January 2008.
Deadlines
CORRECTIONS News is published monthly by the Queensland Department of Corrective Services for its staff and stakeholders.
It is distributed on the first payday of the month, with the next issue out on February 1. Deadline for contributions is January 17.
Subsequent issues will come out on March 1 (February 14) and April 12 (March 27).
Please send disks, hard copy and photographs to the Media and Communications Unit, GPO Box 1054, Brisbane, 4001. The unit reserves the right to edit contributions.
Photographs should be black and white or colour prints, transparencies or negatives, or high quality digital photographs.
If you are photographed for Corrections News, you will be required to consent to the use of your personal information in accordance with the Queensland Governments
Information Privacy Standard 42. The information privacy principles contained within this Standard govern the collection, use, storage, security, and disclosure of personal
information. Consent forms are available on the Intranet or from media unit staff.
Contacts:
Editor Helen Schofield phone 3227 6739 [email protected]
Publications Officer Peter OHalloran phone 322 7 7231 Peter.O[email protected]
Assistant Communications Officer Vanessa Young phone 3238 3943 [email protected]
Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Department of Corrective Services. No article may be produced in full or in part without the permission of the Editor.
Page 2 / CN December 2005/January 2006
The changing face of
Corrective Services
Director-General Frank Rockett has welcomed a new departmental report which offers
recommendations on how the Department can foster staff satisfaction and pride.
The report on the Departments Honouring our Heritage: Acknowledging our Achievements project
outlines measures to increase the respect and recognition shown to staff for their contribution to
the Department.
Director-General Frank Rockett said the recommendations offered a number of innovations that
would impact on the culture of the Department.
They will contribute to organisational cohesion and efficiency through reinforcing respect for
staff, workplace meaning and staff satisfaction and pride, he said.
The report recommended:
as part of a package of measures acknowledging staff, changes be made to the uniforms
of staff employed in correctional centres to satisfy a need for role identification,
organisational and community recognition, and pride through enhanced professional
presentation
the current Queensland logo be replaced with a specific departmental logo
the Department develop the capacity for the retention of corporate knowledge to add to
the understanding of our heritage and history
In line with these recommendations, preliminary work on the development of conceptual designs
for new arm patches and epaulettes has been developed and displayed on the Departments
Intranet site.
The conceptual designs utilise the Government logo to identify staff as DCS employees while the
epaulettes denote the persons professional stream and length of service to the Department.
Mr Rockett said a staff survey conducted by the Honouring our Heritage: Acknowledging our
Achievements project team found that there was widespread dissatisfaction amongst correctional
officers with the current uniform because it failed to define staff roles and functions.
The Department of Corrective Services is comparable to other public safety agencies primarily
because, in times of emergency, staff would need to be readily and easily identifiable, he said.
These conceptual designs are an example of how new badging will not only make staff clearly
recognisable as DCS employees, but will also identify the persons professional stream and years
of service to the Department.
In essence, they will recognise and acknowledge the skills and dedication of staff.
The conceptual designs shown here and the full report can be found on the Intranet at the
Honouring our Heritage: Acknowledging our Achievements site.
Project team members, above, Jason Hunt and
below, Steve Seaton
CN December 2005/January 2006 / Page 3
FOCAL
POINTS
with Minister Judy Spence
Reviewing our achievements
As another year comes to a close, it gives us a chance to review our achievements over the past 12 months. The Department of Corrective
Services has set a high standard for 2006, and in particular has attracted kudos from regional communities.
A report released last month shows the Work Outreach Camp (WORC) program is delivering real benefits to communities who are in
support of its expansion.
I have been fortunate to see these benefits first hand in a range of regional communities.
Last month, I travelled to Warwick to visit staff and offenders at the Warwick Womens Community Custody Program and help celebrate
the camps 10th anniversary.
I have also visited the Winton, Boulia and Julia Creek camps earlier in the year.
Realigning the WORC program to correctional centres was no minor undertaking, however, the transition is enabling more efficient,
cheaper and safer movement of staff and inmates.
In the past 15 years, Queenslands 11 WORC sites have delivered more than $8.5 million in labour to regional communities.
I will be considering the recommendations from the community engagement report to extend WORC to better serve its rural partners, as
I know how strongly supported this program is. The report is available on the Departments Intranet.
2005 also marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Sir David Longland Correctional Centre.
The centre temporarily closed its doors in November to undergo a $76 million face-lift. I thank staff for their cooperation during this
transition period.
The transfer of all 342 prisoners to other jails without incident is an excellent outcome and a credit to all involved.
Christmas is fast approaching and I thank those of you who are sacrificing time with your families to work over the holiday season.
I wish all of you a safe and happy Christmas, and I look forward to working with you in the New Year. I hope, like me, you are looking
forward to what we can achieve in 2006.
DCS officers
praised in
Parliament
Significant achievements made in prison security by intelligence
and investigation officers were praised in State Parliament earlier
this month by Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence.
Ms Spence told Parliament, her Departments 50 intelligence and
investigation officers including 21 police worked diligently to
intercept drugs, seize weapons and foil escape plans.
Ms Spence said a number of escape plots were uncovered this year,
including an elaborate escape plan where prisoners plotted to use
firearms and a helicopter.
Their plan was foiled by intelligence officers, who retrieved SMS
messages from a mobile phone that had been smuggled into the
prison, she said.
This year intelligence officers uncovered 251 drug items and drug
related implements in Queensland prisons including heroin,
amphetamines, cannabis and syringes.
A further 96 prohibited articles including six mobile phones,
numerous weapons and tattoo guns were also confiscated.
Ms Spence said the Departments tough approach was working
and drug use in Queensland jails had dropped from 17.9 per cent of
prisoners in 1996-97, to around 5.1 per cent this year.
Dedicated officers and robust procedures help stem contraband
DCS Deputy Director-General Alison Hunter said the Department was
constantly refining its strategies to not only combat the smuggling
of drugs into prison, but also to rehabilitate users among the prison
population.
She said the smuggling of drugs and other contraband into prisons
was a constant threat to the safety and security of the correctional
workplace.
However, as our Minister has highlighted, with dedicated staff and
robust procedures we can stem the flow of contraband and build a
safer workplace, she said.
Participants and course coordinators at the
Intelligence Overview and Orientation course
Intel strengthening community safety
The Departments intelligence-gathering capabilities are being
strengthened within community corrections.
Correctional centres have predominately been the frontline for the
Departments intelligence operations, but community corrections
officers have been quick to snap up the opportunity to participate
in a new round of the one-day Intelligence Overview and Orientation
course, helping to broaden the Departments security network.
A total of 32 community corrections officers from throughout southeast Queensland completed two courses in November and December.
Intel trainers are also receiving a positive response to two courses
during February in Townsville and Cairns with 18 staff currently
enrolled.
It is planned to continue the one-day training on a monthly basis.
The first courses of the latest round of training in Brisbane have already
reaped results, with an increased amount of intelligence information
passed on to the Departments Intelligence Group (DCSIG).
The course aims to increase staff understanding of intelligence
operations and how they can contribute to the Departments
information network.
The course includes components about the role of intelligence in
corrections, intelligence processes, evaluating information, use of
intelligence applications and IOMS and how to contribute to the use
and dissemination of intelligence.
The course is a prerequisite to work within intelligence operations and for
the study of the Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police Intelligence).
Southern assessment
DCSIGs Detective Senior Sergeant Bruce Welk and Detective Sergeant
Rob Wildin travelled south recently to complete assessment of
interstate students of the Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Police
Intelligence).
Queensland is the only state currently offering the nationallyaccredited corrections intelligence course, with four officers from
Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT currently enrolled alongside
Queensland students.
Like their Queensland colleagues, Sen. Sgt Welk said the southern
students are progressing well and are on track to complete the final
component of the course in June 2006.
To find out more about the work of DCSIG keep an eye out for their new
site on the Intranet, being launched in early 2006. More information
about study and Intel courses is also available by contacting
3406 2419.
Delta dogs sniff out trouble
Darling Downs Correctional Centre is continuing to work closely with both internal and
external agencies in the centres preparedness leading into the Christmas/New Year
period.
In line with its proactive role in barrier detection strategies, dogs from the
Departments Delta Unit, based in the Wacol precinct, conducted a range of general
area and accommodation searches last month.
Centre staff worked closely with the Delta Unit officers during the operation which
searched the centres internal and external perimeter.
Darling Downs Correctional Centre General Manager Peter Shaddock said an open
custody centre such as Darling Downs presented its own unique issues in regards
to identifing and controlling the potential introduction of prohibited substances and
items.
We have to contend with the significant movement of prisoners in and out of the
Doug Belcher leads Oscar through his paces
centre to approved work locations on a daily basis, he said.
As an open custody centre, we also have significant prisoner /community interaction, approved prisoner movement to and from remote WORC
sites on a weekly basis, and relaxed and informal social visitation programs each weekend.
However, with the continued assistance of agencies such as the Delta Unit, we go a long way to reducing the potential for the introduction of
prohibited items to the centre, thereby reinforcing our focus on safety and security.
From left. Community Advisory Committee members Mary and Douglas Feez celebrate with Helana Jones Centre Manager Marilyn Cook; and Director-General Frank Rockett with Bunny Powne
Warwick Women’s camp turns 10
The Warwick Womens Community Custody Program (WWCCP) has celebrated its 10th
anniversary by acknowledging and thanking staff and community members for their
dedication and support.
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence and Director-General Frank Rockett were among
70 guests who attended a special celebration at the programs Warwick Showground site
last month.
To commemorate the success of the program, Ms Spence and Mr Rockett presented
certificates of appreciation to the local community advisory committee, program staff
and local community groups.
Awards of appreciation were also presented to the Warwick Shire Council, the Warwick
Show and Rodeo Society, and long-serving WWCCP staff members Jo Fraser and Jodie
Gnech.
Speaking at the celebration, Ms Spence said the success of the program lay with its
dedicated staff and support from the local community.
Working here at Warwick is certainly not a nine to five job, and many of the staff go above
and beyond the call of duty, she said.
They leave their families behind for long stretches to come to Warwick where they
dedicate their time to supporting the women who work here.
Today, we celebrate 10 years of great work and great success.
Warwick Shire Mayor Ron Bellingham said he was proud to be associated with the
program.
This program benefits us in two ways we are able to help people who are less fortunate
than ourselves, and in return they take on projects to maintain and enhance our town and
community, he said.
The WWCCP was officially opened in July 1995 and remains Queenslands, and Australias,
first and only work camp for women.
Since the inception of the program, approximately 113,000 hours of community services
have been performed by the women, benefiting the Warwick community with a savings of
$1.7 million in labour.
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence presents Warwick
Shire Mayor Ron Bellingham with an award of appreciation
Certificate recipients:
Warwick Community Advisory Committee Douglas and Mary Feez, Mavis Cooper, Ian
Harm, Jill Doyle, Heather Claydon, Sue Fox, Andrew Grafton, Kathy Brosnan, Cliff Farrell,
Marion and Bill White, Vince Hemmings, Desleigh Clarson, Reubin Bell, Sue Cowley,
Diane Coy, Tim Sheeran and Glynn Rees
WWCCP former and present staff members Deb Hughes, Fiona Van Leeuwen, Jane
Clarke, Jodi Felsch, Venita Soppe and Sue Noordink
Award recipients:
Warwick Shire Council, Warwick Rodeo and Show Society, Warwick Womens Community
Custody Program, Jo Fraser and Jodie Gnech
Award recipients and long-serving staff members, from left, Jo
Fraser and Jodie Gnech at the birthday celebrations
Legislation Review
Corrective Services Act 2000
Prisoner businesses
Restrictions on prisoners running a business from prison will be formalised under the proposed new Corrective Services legislation.
The restrictions will apply to all prisoners who are sentenced and are accommodated in a Corrective Services facility.
The new provision will be particularly relevant to prisoners who are company directors or business owners, however, the restriction will apply
to all prisoners.
Currently, there are limits on prisoners participating in activities that may enable them to participate in running a business from prison.
For example, prisoners cannot access the Internet or email, possess cheque books or receive telephone calls, and prisoners can only make
phone calls to approved numbers. All calls are monitored while incoming and outgoing prisoner mail is also monitored.
To accommodate the new prohibition, there will be a transitional period at the commencement of the legislation.
This will allow sentenced prisoners who are accommodated in a Corrective Services facility to make arrangements to transfer responsibility for
the operation of a business to another person who is not in custody.
Thereafter, it is proposed that prisoners in custody will have 21 days from the time they are sentenced to make arrangements to transfer
responsibility for the operation of a business to another person who is not in custody.
Penalties will apply for prisoners who do not make alternative arrangements during the transitional period, and who continue to conduct
business dealings from prison.
The new legislation will be introduced to Parliament early next year. It is scheduled to be enacted mid-2006.
Gearing up for
new training
As a result of recommendations from the Business
Model Review, the Department of Corrective Services has
undertaken to review all the entry-level programs provided to
departmental staff.
Reviews for the custodial, community, dog-handler and
induction programs are underway and new programs are
being developed to enhance the training provided to new
staff.
The updated Custodial Entry-Level Training Program
incorporates more practical activities relevant to the dayto-day tasks of a custodial officer as well as new areas of
instruction such as IOMS training.
Delivered as a seven-week program with a further week on
the job, a trial will be run in Townsville in February.
We will also have a new program for all staff which will
include an information booklet for new employees, said
Senior Adviser Operational Training John Stenzel.
Depending on your work area, this will also incorporate
specific information relevant to your job.
As soon as you start in your new job, youll get a couple of
days to go through the checklist with your supervisor.
Its about having one consistent package for the whole
Department.
The induction program will cover topics such as the
organisational structure of the Department, legislation
relevant to the work of DCS, information and communication
technology, history of the Department, our vision and goals,
IOMS, privacy and confidentiality, security and intelligence,
workplace health and safety, and the code of conduct.
Entry-level program trainers, from left to right, front row, Desoree Sneddon, Karla Hartnett, and Sue
Peterson, and back row, John Stenzel, Bob Thurland, Ken Gittins and Chuck Galea
Some of the assessments will be available online using email to submit
challenge tests.
Following evaluation and review by course participants in May 2006, the new
induction program is expected to be completed and available by June.
The review of the dog-handler training program is particularly focusing on
developing a DCS training package for dog handlers, trainers and dogs that
will be nationally recognised and accredited.
Dog Squad Coordinator Bob Thurland said the current program would be
standardised and altered to include additional units of competence with input
from centres around the State.
Weve got the expertise and all the material, but this review will develop a
nationally-accredited dog training standard within the Department, he said.
Training Officer Karla Hartnett said that the Community Operations Entry-Level
program was also being reviewed, particularly in regard to the length of the
course, content and flexibility of delivery and scheduling.
From the
DGs desk
with Director-General
Frank Rockett
West
Brisbane
Reflecting
onand
our contributions
future directions
As we move into the festive season, it is important to remember that our organisation operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Our centres do not close for Christmas day or any of the festive holidays and many of our frontline staff will give up time with
their families and loved ones to ensure the smooth and continued operation of our correctional centres and community corrections
offices.
It is a significant sacrifice many people make, but one that is often unrecognised, just as their courage and professionalism is also
often overlooked.
The festive season is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the valuable contribution that all sections of the organisation, our
stakeholders, partners, and service providers make to the delivery of one of the best corrections systems in the world.
Queensland is a large and diverse State, and our stakeholders play an important role in delivering services and support programs.
It is our belief that the collaborative approach, working in close partnership with our stakeholders, can only lead to better outcomes
ensuring, as best as possible, that offenders who have been returned to the community or those who serve their sentence in the
community, can move forward and away from offending behaviour.
We are acknowledged internationally as a leader in the humane containment, supervision and rehabilitation of offenders, but our
organisation also understands that all correctional systems need to strike a fair balance between the safe and humane control of
those who break the law and providing the skills, programs and support to re-integrate offenders back into the community.
Queensland does that. Not only have we invested heavily in security, but we are also investing in programs designed to help
offenders change their lives.
Sooner or later, most prisoners will complete their sentence and return to their communities.
The equally important job of Corrective Services is to prepare them for their return and to give them the skills and support that
minimises the chances of re-offending.
For many who have spent significant time in prison, the community they face on their return is vastly different.
By providing education and work skills, as well as targeted criminogenic programs, they are less likely to re-offend.
This is the unseen work that goes on in corrections in both the custodial and community arms.
I would like to pass on my personal appreciation for the commitment and hard work of the past year, and my best wishes for the
festive season.
May you all have a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year.
Drug Courts to become permanent
Drug Courts will become a permanent weapon in the fight against crime under new legislation introduced into State
Parliament earlier this month.
The Attorney-General and Justice Minister Linda Lavarch said the decision to make Drug Courts permanent followed
compelling evidence that pilot programs in south-east Queensland and north Queensland had prevented crime.
A total of 169 drug-addicted offenders had graduated from Drug Court programs since it began in 2000.
Independent evaluations of the program have found very few graduates have returned to a life of crime, said Ms
Lavarch.
The cycle of crime is being broken.
The Drug Courts are a partnership between the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, DCS, Queensland Police
Service, Queensland Health, Legal Aid and various community-based stakeholders.
Drug Courts impose Intensive drug rehabilitation orders instead of prison on suitable offenders whose drug addiction
contributed to their offending.
However, anyone who fails to complete the program must return to court and be re-sentenced on the original offence.
The Drug Legislation Amendment Bill 2005 contains improvements to the Drug Court, including:
changing eligibility criteria to allow offenders facing suspended sentences of up to four years to be referred to
drug courts (the current maximum is three years)
reaffirming that violent offenders cannot be referred to drug courts and giving courts greater scope in determining
whether an offence is violent
setting minimum regulations for the frequency of drug testing of offenders who are participating in the program
Ruby and Ethyl enjoy music by former offender turned volunteer Carl
Piano order a fine option
Noosa Community Corrections
Coordinator Shane Daley
When Carl ran foul of council by-laws, he never dreamed his resulting 12-month Fine Option Order to
play piano would not only change his life, but transform the lives of dozens of elderly residents at a local
retirement home.
He recalls how the residents remained bed ridden during his first tentative piano recital, but within weeks,
were on their feet, filling the lounge and singing along.
Now, 12 months on, Bardie Gruber, Manager of Carramar Noosa Homes for the Aged, said many residents
were so invigorated by this innovative community service project, they are now taking regular day trips and
signing up for new activities.
Carl played to them every day, got them up and motivated, and turned their lives around, she said.
Noosa Community Corrections Coordinator Shane Daley said his office had placed offenders at Carramar
previously, but usually it was as groundsmen.
He said Noosa Community Corrections managed 95 offenders on a variety of orders.
Most people think its easy to find organisations or projects requiring donated labour, but rigorous rules
and protocols to ensure community safety mean placing offenders can be a complex process, he said.
Finding suitable projects in what is currently a competitive marketplace takes creative thinking.
We identify each offenders forte before matching them to a project.
Carl had played in a brass band previously and the aged centre had a few lonely pianos, so I thought it
was worth a try.
Carl said it was the toughest 12 months of his life, but he successfully completed his order and now
continues to visit his elderly fans one day per week as a volunteer.
It was a hard slog, but I got a great buzz out of it, you wouldnt believe the turn-around in some of these
old girls, he said.
Even the council appreciate what I do now.
The role of the
Office of the
Chief Inspector
Forbes Smith
Having been the Chief Inspector since July 4 this year, I thought it
timely to write about my role.
In particular, I wanted to highlight one of my main responsibilities,
that of providing independent scrutiny regarding the treatment of
offenders, and the application of standards and operational practices
within the States custodial centres.
My independence is maintained by the reporting structure my
office reports directly to the Director-General and I play no part in the
management of the Department.
Inspections of correctional centres is the main way in which I discharge
my responsibility for scrutinising the operations of centres.
I recently finalised the draft report on a full inspection which I
conducted at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, and am preparing
for a follow-up inspection of the Townsville Correctional Centre (a
departmental inspection having been conducted there in November
2004).
I suspect there is some confusion about just what an inspection
involves.
It is neither an audit nor an investigation, although there are elements
of both.
Similarly, while consideration is given to whether or not a centre
complies with procedures, an inspection is more than that, because
the reality is more than whether or not there is compliance with
standards.
I very much like what HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers CBE
said at a lecture in 2003 on prison inspections and the protection of
human rights:
Inspection that detailed process of being there, digging
behind (sic) the surface, collecting and testing evidence
from prisoners, staff, records and observation defines
the contours of the actual prison. It looks for outcomes, not
processes; things that are delivered, rather than deliverable;
interactions and cultures that cannot be caught in standards,
orders or rules.
An inspection enables me to assess how well a centre performs
against the healthy prison concept.
The healthy prison approach is now a widely accepted methodology
and rests on four key principles or tests.
Over time, a number of inspectorates have refined and adjusted the
tests, so there are several iterations.
However, in essence they are:
Safety: even the weakest prisoners feel safe
Respect: prisoners are treated with respect as individuals

Purposeful activity: prisoners are fully and purposefully occupied
and are expected to improve themselves
Resettlement: prisoners can strengthen their links with their
families and prepare for release into the community.
These principles are directed at prisoners when clearly, the treatment
and safety of staff is also of critical importance to the health of any
prison.
In this regard, a healthy prison is one in which staff:
• feel safe
• are treated with respect as individuals
• are informed and consulted within their sphere of work
• have high expectations made of them
• are well led and trained
• respect their own health
Typically, an inspection will involve a team of experienced personnel
visiting a centre for one to two weeks.
For example, we were at Lotus Glen for 10 days, including the weekend and, on one occasion, at night.
The team immersed themselves in the routine of prison life.
In the lead-up to the start of the on-site phase of the inspection,
the General Manager was advised in writing of the purpose of the
inspection, my expectations, and the date on which the inspection
was to take place.
He was also provided with a copy of the Inspection Standards, a
document based on the Departments Policies and Procedures, the
Corrective Services Act 2000 and Corrective Services Regulation 2001
which posed a series of questions in respect of many aspects of the
facilitys operations.
My intention was to conduct an inspection which was objective,
impartial and fair.
Over the next two years, I hope to inspect all correctional centres and
see how well they perform against the Healthy Prison test.
In addition, it will be necessary to conduct follow-up inspections of
a shorter duration to assess how well centres are progressing with
the implementation of recommendations arising from previous full
inspections.
While the role is somewhat daunting, I am also very much looking
forward to what I regard as an important and potentially rewarding
job.
Forbes Smith
Chief Inspector
Praise for
Mitchell
WORCers
The pyrophone display erected by the WORC mates proved a huge success at the festival
Prisoners from the Mitchell WORC site have been praised for the significant contribution they made to the success of Mitchells recent Fire and
Water Festival.
Booringa Shire Council Economic Development Principal Manager Noela Ward said the men worked tirelessly not only over the three days of the
festival, but for six months leading up to the event.
The men spent many months preparing areas involved with the festival, which included site rejuvenation and maintenance, she said.
During the festival, the men acted as car park attendants and maintained the sites which involved collecting rubbish bins and ensuring the
facilities were clean.
The men also assisted with the unloading and construction of a pyrophone display which proved to be one of the highlights of the festival.
There is absolutely no way the festival would have been as successful without the help of the WORC men, said Noela.
They took on an array of different tasks without any complaints and did an exceptional job.
After the huge success of this years festival, organisers are planning to make it a biannual event aimed at highlighting regional gourmet foods,
entertainment, attractions and community spirit.
Paving the way to a better complaints system
DCS is working towards best practice complaints management with the aim of implementing new policies
and procedures by July 2006.
To oversee this process, the Department recently appointed Leah Milburn-Walker to the Departments
Ethical Standards Branch as Complaints Management Senior Adviser.
Leah will coordinate the Departments complaints management system by developing policies,
procedures and awareness programs that meet best practice.
The new procedures are being developed following a review by the Queensland Ombudsmans Office of
the existing complaints system in custodial correctional centres.
The Department is one of 11 agencies that participated in Phase 1 of the Ombudsmans Complaints
Management Project, which was initiated to raise complaint-handling standards in the public sector.
Queensland Ombudsman David Bevan said his office had worked closely with DCS on the project for the
past two years to review existing procedures.
DCS involvement in our project has demonstrated a commitment to improving your capacity to manage
complaints, and to become more effective in your decision-making processes, David said.
We will continue to work with the Department to develop a best-practice system that suits your
organisational structure and business processes.
Leah recently finalised a project plan and a nine-stage project schedule for the development of the Leah Milburn-Walker
Departments complaints management procedures.
We have already undertaken detailed consultation with General Managers and some Regional Directors, who are very supportive of
the initiative, she said.
Phase 1 of the project has been completed with the report on the project and its outcomes to be publicly released in December.
In Phase 2, which is now underway, all public sector agencies in Queensland will be encouraged and assisted to implement their own
complaint management systems that meet the recognised standards.
FAST news
Ending Family Violence on Palm Island
Eight participants recently completed a four-day Ending Family Violence
Program on Palm Island. Palm Island Senior Community Correctional Officer
Joseph McCluskey said the participants displayed an exemplary attendance
record, and the course had even attracted a late participant who gave up his
break time to catch up on modules he had missed on the previous day. Given
the serious consequences of domestic violence in Indigenous communities,
this program has wide community support, after consultation with the Palm
Island Council, Justice Group, Christians United, and other government and
non-government agencies, said Joseph. The program was facilitated by Joe
and fellow Correctional Officer Nadine Hedger. Participants celebrated their
graduation from the program with a special barbecue where traditional owner
and Justice Group member Allen Palm Island and Palm Island Senior Sergeant
Paul James presented them with their graduation certificates.
Brisbane West on the move
From left, Darling Downs Farm Adviser Trevor Telford and Organisational Health Senior
Consultant Michael Petit inspect safety equipment on site as part a statewide safety review
Darling Downs celebrates workplace safety
The Darling Downs Correctional Centre has shown why it won this years DCS
Safe Workplace Award when it conducted a complete centre audit last month.
DCS Organisational Health Senior Consultant Michael Petit visited the centre to
conduct the audit as part of the Departments statewide workplace health and
safety review. Whilst at the centre, Michael also took the opportunity to present
General Manager Peter Shaddock with the Safe Workplace Award shield
recognising the centres best practice throughout the State for workplace
safety.
Brisbane West Community Corrections Office is temporarily relocating.
Commencing December 19, the office will be temporarily operating from
neighbouring area offices. From December 12, when offenders are transferred
or released to the Brisbane West Area Office, they were supervised by Brisbane
West officers situated either at the Brisbane South, Brisbane North or Inala
Area Offices. The Brisbane West Offices postal address, phone and fax number
will remain as they currently are during this interim period. Some staff will be
located at 4th Floor, 30 Herschel St Brisbane during this time. The office will
commence operating from 56 Little Edward St, Spring Hill by the end of March
2006. Relevant details will be forwarded when the exact date is known.
BWCC fundraising
Building relationships in Central Region
Community and custodial operations staff from Central Region recently attended
a conference in Hervey Bay to meet and network. The two-day Strengthening
Networks Conference, with the theme of Were all in this together, attracted
staff from most of the regions offices and the Maryborough Correctional
Centre. Central Regional Director Yme Dwarshius said the conference was
a perfect opportunity to establish some of the key concepts introduced in
the new Integrated Offender Management Strategy (IOMS), such as sharing
resources, exchanging information and developing relationships. The first day
of the conference included a session from Kevin Nicholson and Ron Eldrigde,
from PartnerOne, on financial administration. Yme said the training package
had been developed specifically for Central Region staff. In this way, the
content was more meaningful and relevant to all staff who attended, he said.
On day two, Jo Phelan and Kal Rasmussen from Capricornia Correctional Centre
presented a session on effective workplaces which covered topics such as
teamwork, time management, communication and networking.
From left, RCH Foundation Fundraising Development Coordinator Amelia Greggery
accepts Brisbane Womens Correctional Centres donation from General Manager Sharon
McCallum-Clark
Attending the conference were, from left, Tracey Leveridge (Hervey Bay), Michelle Webster
(Gympie), Donna Brook (Noosa) and Grace Turek (Emerald)
Children in need have benefited from the fundraising efforts of staff at Brisbane
Womens Correctional Centre who held a raffle to assist the Royal Childrens
Hospital (RCH) Foundation provide services and equipment to sick children
and their families. The raffle raised over $3000 and included major prizes such
as two nights at Chancellor Resort, a hot-air balloon flight, a fishing charter, a
years gym membership, Wet & Wild passes and tickets to the Conrad Jupiters
show. Presenting the donation on behalf of BWCC, General Manager Sharon
McCallum-Clark said that fundraising activities were an important part of the
culture at BWCC and assisted the facility to stay connected to the community.
RCH Foundation Fundraising Development Coordinator Amelia Greggery
thanked staff and offenders for their efforts and said that it was a significant
contribution to supporting the work of the RCH Foundation.
Arthur Gorrie remembers
Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre marked
the 11th day of the 11th month, Remembrance
Day, with a formal ceremony, connecting
offenders with their heritage. Held
since the first anniversary of the end of
World War I in 1919, Remembrance Day
is an opportunity for all Australians to
remember the heavy price of freedom. GEO
Executive General Manager Col Kelaher
attended the Arthur Gorrie ceremony
and laid the wreath to the fallen as the
Australian flag was flown at half-mast.
The service included the Lament on the
Pipes and the sounding of the Last Post
and Rous. Two offenders participated by
reading the poem In Flanders Fields and
GEO Executive General Manager Col
the Ode. Facilitator Cleve Whitworth said
Kelaher (second left) with attendees
both deliveries were made with heartfelt
Rob Grogan, Phil Mannion and Cleve
sincerity and obviously had significance
Whitworth
for the men. A bible reading and a prayer
for the fallen were delivered by the two padres present. Attended by a wide
cross-section of the centre, including officers and management as well as
community representatives, the ceremony was a chance to reflect and give
thanks for the courage and sacrifice of Australians who made the ultimate
sacrifice so that we may enjoy the way of life Australians hold dear today.
Annual Report tabled
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The Departments 2004-05 Annual Report was
tabled in Parliament last month by Police and
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence. The report
highlights many of the Departments achievements
during the financial year including the hosting of
the 5th Pacific Regional Heads of Prisoner Meeting
and the Managing Growth in Prisoners Numbers
project. The Annual Report is available on the DCS
Internet at www.dcs.qld.gov.au or the Intranet
under Reports and Publications. Electronic
versions on CD are also available from the Media and Communications Unit,
email [email protected]
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24/8/05 4:32:49 PM
Perspectives
Convict wins luxury holiday
A Russian man who won a five-star trip to London will not be able to claim
his prize because he is in prison. He filled in a ticket for a local prize draw
sent to him by a relative hoping to win a teapot for his cell. But instead,
he won the top prize of an all-expenses paid trip to London, including
seven nights in a luxury hotel. The man told prison governors about his
win, but was told he could not go because he was serving 10 years for
fraud. I entered the competition just for fun hoping to win an electric
teapot or a coffee-machine, but Lady Luck decided to play a sick joke on
me, said the prisoner.
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk
Man tries to flee police on lawn mower
Bad idea: fleeing from police in a stolen car. Terrible idea: fleeing in a
stolen lawn mower. But thats what police in America say a happy drunk
did, a decision that landed the suspect back in prison for violating his
parole. Police say they got a tip about a stolen ride-on lawnmower. When
they investigated, they spotted a man driving across a cornfield near
Springfield. Local authorities set up a perimeter, but the driver allegedly
tried to drive off. He finally stopped when police threatened to stun him
with a Taser. Police arrested the man and returned him to the Illinois
Department of Corrections. The Prisoner Review Board will decide whether
he goes back on parole or remains in prison to serve the rest of his twoyear sentence for theft.
www.azcentral.com
Professor stopped on motorway in wheelchair
An absent-minded professor was stopped by police as he tried to drive
110 miles down a German motorway in his wheelchair. Police stopped the
man on the A43 motorway near Herne in North Rhine Westphalia driving
six mph in his electric wheelchair in traffic travelling at speeds above
100 mph. The told them he was going home to Vechta, more than 110 miles
away, after visiting family nearby, and said he had already put five miles
behind him. He was given a fine and escorted to the nearest B road where
he was allowed to continue his journey.
www.ananova.com
Innisfail waves goodbye to a valued member
Innisfail Area Manager Brenda Martin is preparing to tackle retirement in 2006 after 16 years with DCS.
Brenda came from Probation and Parole in South Australia to the Queensland Corrective Services Commission
Cairns office in 1989 after a national recruitment drive to bring new ideas and people into the organisation after
the Bjelke Peterson era.
In 1990, she moved to Innisfail to service the reporting centres. This entailed driving up and down the northern
coast three days a week and phoning into the office or plugging in the fax wherever she could to get messages
and send home assessments.
It was a particularly interesting time, she said.
It was pretty basic, we had no mobile phones, no risk analysis. It was really just survival.
When Brenda started working as Manager for Innisfail in 1990, she initially worked out of the boot of the car. The
Rankin Street office opened in July 1991 with one computer and a typewriter.
Brenda Martin
Gradually, Brenda has witnessed the technological transformation to the current well-equipped purpose-built
office. Of those middle years, Brenda said that while it was very hard work, and the equipment was no where near as sophisticated as it is today,
staff morale was very good and they were always out there doing checks.
You felt that you were trusted with this difficult and important task, she said.
Known as a switched on professional and caring person who supported her staff and treated offenders with dignity and respect, Brenda recently
received a Meritorious Service Award.
With plans for travel within Australia and overseas in her sights, Brenda said she is looking forward to putting quality time into the things she
wants to achieve.
Happy journeys Brenda.
grad
End of year
Two Capricornia graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Correctional
Management were presented with their certificates and bound copies
of their dissertations on December 1.
Custodial Officers Anthony Hickey and Craig Jones started their
studies in March 2004 and submitted their reports in the second half
of 2005.
For their dissertations, Anthony Hickey considered the function, role
and purpose of fire alarm panels and how staff are trained in the
interpretation and reaction to the alarm signals.
Craig Jones reported on the reasons why mainstream prisoners ask
to be placed in protection units and how the way in which protection
prisoners are treated and viewed by the prison population has
changed.
DSC is the only correctional jurisdiction training organisation
in Australia to offer the research-based program in correctional
management.
To date, 13 Advanced Diploma of Correctional Managements have
been completed with another two due for finalisation this year.
Prisoners from the Capricornia Correctional Centre capped off their
recent graduation ceremony with an impromptu rap song about the
virtue of study.
The rappers included three students who were graduating from
the Tertiary Entry Program which is provided by the Nulloo Yumbah
Indigenous Learning, Spirituality and Research Centre at the Central
Queensland University.
The graduation ceremony, held in the centres education block, was
also attended by eight academic staff and three tutors from the
university.
Nulloo Yumbah Coordinator Laurel Hunt presided over the ceremony
and graduates were presented with their certificates and sashes.
Five other students received certificates for units they have so far
completed. The partnership between the Capricornia Correctional
Centre and Central Queensland University was formed in 2003.
Nulloo Yumbah Director Associate Professor William Oates and Laurel
Hunt conceived the idea of creating a campus at the centre to allow
Indigenous prisoners the opportunity to enrol with the university.
Community ELTP graduates, back row from left; Tygh Field, Josh Daly, Angus Gaffney.
Second back row; Trainer Karla Hartnett, Denise Mackey. Second row; Shameen Jeeawody,
Rachel Niven, Krystal Scott, Lisa Gal. Front Row; Melanie Adams
Capricornia graduates Anthony Hickey and Craig Jones
The Nulloo Yumbah Tertiary Entry Program is designed specifically for
Indigenous people and teaches them skills needed to participate in
undergraduate studies.
It is delivered at the correctional centre in distance education mode
and many of the subjects are supported by interactive CDs as well as
study guides.
For three weeks in November, 10 enthusiastic graduates worked hard
at their Community Entry Level Training Program at the Departments
Wacol-based Training and Development Centre.
The course participants from Burleigh, Southport, Logan, Brisbane
South, Brisbane North and Ipswich had varying levels of experience,
from two weeks to nine months working in community corrections.
Trainer Karla Hartnett said the group included two people who had
previously worked at Sir David Longland Correctional Centre, and were
now going to work in the community corrections field.
A number of the graduates had experience in other fields before
gaining employment with corrections, she said.
She said the group had shown an understanding of the issues,
practices and procedures involved in working as a Community
Corrections Officer and she was confident that they would make
valuable contributions to Community Corrections in Queensland.
Lotus Glen award recipients
duations
Townsville and Lotus Glen Correctional Centre staff were honoured
recently at the annual presentation of DCS Excellence Awards and
national medals.
Townsville staff were presented their awards at a ceremony at the
Southbank Convention Centre, attended by special guests Custodial
Operations Manager Lidia Pennington and Numinbah Correctional
Centre General Manager Scott Collins.
Seven Townsville staff were among the first recipients of the 2006
Director-Generals Awards.
Antony Tarlowski, Bradley Taylor and Fiona Innes were presented their
awards for their response to the escape and hostage situation at the
centre in 1997.
Gregory Dircks, Andrew Bye, Christine Ross and Graham Small received
their awards for dedication to duty, performance above the call of duty
and the support demonstrated to fellow officers in a violent situation.
National medals for 15 years long and meritorious service Tony
Bennett, Rip Castles, Alan George, Steve King, Mark Fisher, Bill McKay,
Graham Kopp, Brenda Whyte, Geoff Pollard, Gavin Craig and Tony
Walsh.
The clasp to the National Medial for 25 years service Aldo Buzzi, Alex
Strang and Ron Smith.
Long and Meritorious Service Award certificate John Roth, Russell
Nuss, Patricia Randall and Michael Dooley.
Lotus Glen staff were honoured for their achievements during a visit to
the centre by Custodial Operations Executive Director Jim Mullen.
Kathryn Adams and Eric Lawson were the first staff from Lotus Glen to
receive Director-Generals awards for their dedication to their role in
the Intelligence area and services to community safety.
Kathryn also recently became the Departments second staff member
to graduate from the Griffith University Graduate Certificate in
Correctional Studies Program.
National medals for 15 years long and meritorious service Rod Allen,
Doug Vidler, Alan Ratcliffe and Darren Rowe.
Les Elliott, Dave Turnell, Arnoud Van-West and Don Tait were
recognised for 25 years service to the Department, receiving Long and
Meritorious Service certificates.
Two of Townsvilles Director-General Award winners, Custodial Correctional Officers Andrew
Bye, left, and Greg Dircks
Long and Meritorious Service Award certificates for 15 years service
Laurie Toppin, Daryl Joseph, Michael Gleave, Dave Phillips, Loredana
Carusi and Ian Miller. Marisa Camp also received her Certificate IV in
Correctional Practice (Custodial).
Over 150 prisoners from Woodford Correctional Centre were presented
with vocational education and training certificates at a special
graduation ceremony at the centre on December 9.
The prisoners graduated from a number of courses offered through
institutions such as the University of New England, the University of
Southern Queensland and Career Employment Australia
Guest speakers at the ceremony included Woodford General Manager
Greg Howden, DCS Deputy Director-General Alison Hunter and Adult
Education and Vocational Education and Training Manager Ron Cox.
Ron said he was proud to be present at the ceremony which honoured
the efforts of such a large number of graduates.
He also thanked the large number of staff and external service
providers for their efforts and hard work throughout the year.
DCS staff and service providers at the Woodford graduation ceremony
Christmas celebrations
With the imminent arrival of Santa and his reindeers, correctional
centres across the State have been preparing for his arrival with an
array of events.
The Chaplains Christmas Concert at Brisbane Womens Correctional
Centre went off without a hitch on December 3. With carols, prayers
and reflection, it was enjoyed by all who attended. BWCC also hosted
two Christmas themed family days in mid December that were well
attended by family and friends.
The Christmas family days at Capricornia Correctional Centre were
heralded as a great success and allowed offenders from the farm,
protection and mainstream sections to meet with their family and
friends and share in the joy of Christmas.
December saw the Chapel at Darling Downs Correctional Centre
surrounded in Christmas Cheer with the Chaplains Christmas BBQ
held early in the month. Lunch was provided for the Christmas family
visits days, and even Santa made a special call, bringing lollies for the
children.
The Lotus Glen Correctional Centre organised a range of Christmas
activities including competitions in cricket, touch football, volley ball,
tennis, chess and checkers. The centre was visited by Salvation Army
and Prison Fellowship representatives who brought comfort and cheer
to the prisoners with their companionship and gifts. During December
the Aboriginal Elders were also recognised for their contributions to
the centre with certificates of appreciation at the final 2005 meeting.
Numinbah Correctional Centre has organised for two additional visits
sessions during the Christmas period so that family and friends of
offenders can have further opportunity to see them at this time of year.
A Christmas carols event was also held with prisoners and chaplains.
The family days at Maryborough Correctional Centre were given a
special Christmassy touch with decorations adorning the visits area,
a Christmas meal and special entertainment organised. Santa also
dropped in, bringing sweets for the children and a chance to say Ho
Ho Hello.
Palen Creek Correctional Centre hosted three family days in December
for the Christmas season.
Townsville Correctional Centre hosted visits from two professional
sports teams; the Cowboys rugby league team and the Crocodiles
basketball team. Christmas family visiting days were held during mid
December.
Christmas began early at Wolston Correctional Centre, with family
days at the end of November and the beginning of December, as well
as an additional visits in mid December. The Brisbane and Cherbourg
Deputy Director-General, Correctional Operations Alison Hunter presents Smith Family
representative Dean Burman with the gifts from DCS staff
Councillor Cheryl Bromage and A/Executive Director Peter McKay in front of Borallons
Magic in the Park backdrop
Elders visited prisoners and Indigenous radio station 4AAA also made
a trip out to the centre to visit the men at Wolston.
Woodford Correctional Centre has been a hive during the festive
season with games of touch football, indoor soccer, tennis and
table tennis organised for all offenders. Prisoners have been busily
creating personal Christmas cards to send to friends and family and
art students are currently undertaking the refurbishment of the Lions
heads and drums in preparation for Chinese New year celebrations.
Woodford Correctional Centre prisoners have also lent some helping
hands to get new street swags out to Brisbanes homeless this
Christmas. Founded by Brisbane school teacher Jean Madden, the
Street Swags team are coordinating the production and distribution
of their specially-designed swags to homeless people in the week
leading up to Christmas. Woodford Correctional Centre Education
Officer Darren Amos responded to one of the teams calls for swag
production assistance. He and a team of prisoners have since been
working toward meeting a target of 200 swags before Christmas.
The swags will be distributed in Brisbane through charities including
Rosies, The Salvation Army, Drug Arm and Access Street Vans. For
more information, the Street Swags team can be contacted via their
website www.streetswags.org
It has been an Aussie Christmas at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre,
with a series of BBQs throughout December for prisoners and visitors.
Arthur Gorrie also held a Christmas concert for offenders in the
gymnasium that was well attended and enjoyed by all.
In the spirit of giving, a prisoner from Borallon Correctional Centre
has helped in the set creation for the Magic in the Park production
in Brassall Park this December. The Christmas Spirit has been hard
at work at Borallon as staff are supporting the Adopt a Family appeal
by giving products and gifts for an adopted family, and the Inmate
Needs Committee raised over $500 for support the Ipswich Hospital
Foundation purchase an oxygen analyzer.
DCS staff donated 356 presents this years for the Smith Family
Appeal. Staff enthusiastically supported the scheme which helps to
bring Christmas goodies to less-fortunate children. Deputy DirectorGeneral, Correctional Operations Alison Hunter presented Smith
Family representative Dean Burman with the gifts, and said she was
very proud to see the continued interest in the Smith Family Appeal
demonstrated by staff. Working in Corrective Services, we are often
involved in difficult projects so it is really great to participate in
something that is purely pleasurable, she said.