Australian Capital Territory
Corrections Management (Management of Prisoners) Policy 2010
Notifiable instrument NI2010-624
made under the  
Corrections Management Act 2007, section 14(1) (Corrections policies and operating procedures) 

1	Name of instrument
This instrument is the Corrections Management (Management of Prisoners) Policy 2010.

2	Commencement
This instrument commences on the day after it is notified.
3	Policy

I make the

Management of Prisoners policy

attached to this instrument, to facilitate the effective and efficient management of correctional services.

4	Revocation 
This instrument revokes notifiable instrument NI2009-134.

Barry Folpp
A/g Executive Director 
ACT Corrective Services
3 November 2010

Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC)

Management of Prisoners 
Policy

Purpose
Authority
Policy
Principles
Physical and dynamic security
Conflict resolution
Staff awareness
Monitoring and challenging unacceptable behaviour
Disciplinary action
Forms/templates
Related Policies and Procedures

Purpose
To outline the policy to ensure that prisoners are managed in a manner that promotes the security, safety and well-being of prisoners and staff.

Authority
Legislation
Corrections Management Act 2007, section 14.

Policy
Principles
The management of the AMC will adopt an approach which allows corrections officers to have a direct influence on prisoners through appropriate management and supervision. 

In addition to performing security tasks, corrections officers will carry out case management and rehabilitative functions.

Corrections officers will make decisions at the lowest level regarding the management of prisoners and accommodation unit. 

Prisoners will be encouraged to take responsibility for their own lives and be held accountable for their actions.

Physical and dynamic security 
Security in the AMC is ensured through a combination of dynamic and static security principles.

Static security is ensured through the physical equipment in place, including:
•	rota turn;
•	itemiser;
•	perimeter security systems;
•	radio frequency identification (RFID) device;
•	X-ray machines; 
•	closed circuit television (CCTV);
•	cells; and
•	block and cottage security.

Dynamic security is a function of the staff working within the AMC.

Dynamic security occurs when corrections officers interact and engage with prisoners during the course of their work by:
•	regular walking through the officer area of responsibility;
•	talking to prisoners, gaining their trust, and building rapport;
•	checking prisoners’ physical welfare during musters and head checks;
•	maintaining a consistent approach to inappropriate behaviour;
•	encouraging positive behaviour and addressing negative behaviour;
•	engaging in case management process;
•	following up on requests in a timely manner; and
•	remaining calm during incidents. 

Dynamic security is aided further by effective communication between corrections officers. It is essential that senior corrections officers are aware of any issues within the work areas and that comprehensive handovers are conducted between shifts and teams.

When implemented effectively, dynamic security allows prisoners to feel comfortable when approaching corrections officers before problems escalate. 

Officers must take every opportunity to interact directly with prisoners and avoid retreating behind doors, into corridors or officer stations unless required to do so.

Conflict resolution
Where possible conflict between prisoners, or prisoners and staff, will be resolved: 
•	openly, promptly and calmly;
•	by negotiation; 
•	by allowing those involved to communicate appropriately; and
•	by ensuring that dignity and self respect are maintained.

Staff awareness
Corrections officers will become aware of current or potential conflicts between prisoners. When conflict occurs arises, officers should:

•	attempt to discuss the issues with both parties separately, to understand the issues and seek to resolve the conflict;
•	offer to mediate between the parties, or be present while the matter is discussed;
•	reinforce to both parties, that most disputes can be resolved, but that threats or violence will lead to disciplinary sanctions whatever the rights and wrongs of the matter; and/or
•	refer the matter to a more senior officer where appropriate.

Where these conflicts are unable to be resolved in a satisfactory matter actions maybe considered in accordance with the Segregation Policy and disciplinary processes.

Monitoring and challenging unacceptable behaviour
Unacceptable behaviour by prisoners will be challenged and addressed appropriately.  If minor incidents of unacceptable behaviour pass without challenge, these redefine the acceptable standard, and maybe followed by more serious misbehaviour.

Prisoners will be advised of the required standards of acceptable behaviour and rules during the induction process. 

Disciplinary action
Behaviour that constitutes a disciplinary breach should be addressed in accordance with the disciplinary provisions of the Corrections Management Act, the Prisoner Discipline Procedure and the Schedule of Penalties.

Forms/templates
Nil

Related Policies and Procedures
Prisoner Discipline Procedure
Schedule of Penalties
Segregation Policy
Management of Prisoners in the Crisis Support Unit Policy
Management Unit Policy