23 May 2007

Public urged to keep prison corruption levels in perspective

Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews takes seriously claims of corruption, but remains confident that corruption within the prison system is not widespread and he urges the public to put the figures into perspective.

“Corruption of any kind is totally unacceptable and I don’t want to downplay the fact that corruption has occurred,” Mr Matthews said today.

“The public has a right to expect a high level of integrity from Corrections staff and they have a right to expect that firm action will be taken when this integrity is called into question.

“I take any suggestions of corruption very seriously. However I do believe that the overwhelming majority of Corrections Officers do their jobs with integrity and commitment while working with some of the most difficult members of society.

“Corrections is a large organisation. We have around 7000 staff, 3080 of whom are uniformed Corrections Officers,” Mr Matthews said.

“At any one time a number of employment investigations may be underway. These investigations can range from irregularities in sick leave to breaches of operational policy and procedures. Depending on the circumstances, individuals may be suspended while these investigations are undertaken and some may be cleared of any wrong doing.

“At present a total of 10 Corrections Officers are suspended. When you consider that these officers make up only 0.3 percent of the Prison Services’ 3080 custodial staff, it does put the situation into perspective.

“I believe that uniformed Corrections Officers are highly professional and that the few found not to be, are damaging the reputations of the many. Regrettably most large organisations have some staff who let the side down. I don’t believe Corrections is unique in that respect. ”
Mr Matthews said a further four Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) staff were suspended while investigations continued into allegations of prisoners working on an instructor’s house in 2006.
The Department’s efforts to address corruption has been boosted by the announcement that part of the Head Office Review announced yesterday will see an internal Investigations Team set up in the proposed new Office of the CEO in addition to the current Internal Audit Group and Inspectors of Corrections.

The Internal Investigations Team will undertake proactive or reactive investigations of allegations or instances of suspected corrupt activities either prior to or together with any Police investigation. Its mandate covers the whole Department . The team will enable Mr Matthews to immediately seek to substantiate or refute allegations of corruption.

The group will be staffed by experienced investigators (i.e. qualified and experienced in managing criminal investigations) who can undertake these types of investigations on an immediate basis, particularly where multiple allegations are raised and the issues are complex and wide ranging, including both alleged criminal activities and collusion between offenders and staff.

In addition, the Department has been building an intelligence capability known as Crime Prevention Information Capability, or CPIC for short.
CPIC is based on best-practice models of intelligence seen in justice sector agencies such as Police and Customs, as well as overseas corrections jurisdictions including Australia, Canada and United Kingdom.

There are five CPIC regional teams and three teams established for the new facilities comprising of analysts, managers and support officers and drug dog handlers.

ENDS

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