12/06/09

ALBANY REGIONAL PRISON: A WELL-PERFORMING PRISON WITH FURTHER POTENTIAL

The third announced inspection of Albany Regional Prison was carried out from the 2nd to the 7th of November 2008. The previous inspection in 2006 found that the prison was 'performing to a good level, and is certainly one of the best in the state', and it is encouraging to note that the findings of the current inspection are generally positive, notwithstanding there are issues to be addressed. 

The main findings of the Report certainly reflect well on local management and staff at Albany Regional Prison. The prison has been managing an increased population of prisoners by way of double-bunking and the historically good relationship between staff and prisoners has provided a solid basis for minimising the strains and tensions that usually come with overcrowding. Prisoner surveys rated relationships with staff highly and there was clearly a sense of mutual respect. Health services were generally good, and there have been improvements in education.

However, the report does express a number of concerns. These include the fact that the prison was not providing sufficient work for prisoners and was falling short in its services and support for Aboriginal prisoners from regional and remote areas (12% of the prison's population).

It is imperative that prison provide an opportunity for prisoners to develop a work ethic and a sense of routine, and to learn skills that will help them obtain work on release, as employment is one of the key factors linked to avoiding a return to prison. Our recommendation was for all prisoners to be 'engaged in meaningful employment or skill development activities for a minimum of six hours per day'.

While the Department does not dispute our finding about underemployment it supports the recommendation only ‘in part’. This appears to mean that it does broadly accept the value of work and skill development 'but will not necessarily ensure that all prisoners are engaged in meaningful employment or skill development activities for a minimum of six hours per day'. This response is disappointing not only given the importance of this activity to the successful reintegration of prisoners back into the community, but the demonstrated role of constructive activity in the management of risk during periods of overcrowding in prisons.

In a similar vein, the Department's rejection of our recommendation that 'the Department implement a strategy with a view to ensuring a proportionate number of Nyoongar Aboriginals are placed in Work Camps' seems to be at odds with its general policy which has targeted proportional representation of all prisoners in innovative initiatives, and misses an opportunity to better prepare Aboriginal prisoners for release and to reduce their chances of returning to prison.

Overall, the report shows that Albany Regional Prison was generally performing well at the time of the inspection, however a more positive response from the Department to the recommendations would further cement Albany’s place as one of the leaders in the Western Australian prison system.

Barry Cram
Acting Inspector of Custodial Services
12 June 2009

Barry Cram will be available for comment from 12 noon on Friday 12 June and can be contacted on
9212 6200 or 0403 387 441.

 

Download : Media Release (PDF)
Download : Report of an Announced Inspection of Albany Regional Prison (PDF)