The Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (the Office) is an independent statutory body that provides external scrutiny to the standards and operational practices of custodial services in Western Australia.

The Office aims to contribute directly and indirectly to:

• Improving public confidence in the justice system
• Reducing re-offending in Western Australia, and
• Ensuring the justice system provides value for money.

The model of statutory autonomy and direct access to Parliament is unique in Australia. This model is designed to ensure that the Office's activities remain independent and that, in the public interest, the conduct of custodial operations in Western Australia is transparent and fully accountable.

Core responsibilities of the Office include:

• Comprehensive inspections of all non-police custodial facilities in Western Australia
• Thematic reviews and discussion papers on systemic issues
• Advice to Parliament and the Minister for Corrective Services on criminal justice policy issues
• Co-ordination with other relevant statutory bodies, such as the Ombudsman.
• Administration of the Independent Visitor Scheme.

The Office has jurisdiction over all public and private sector prisons and juvenile detention centres, court custody centres, prescribed lock ups, and contracted prisoner transport and support services in Western Australia.

The Office cannot deal with complaints or grievances relating to an individual. Where appropriate such matters are referred to the appropriate department or agency. However many complaints received by the Office actually raise systemic questions about custodial services.