Australian Capital Territory
Corrections Management (Management of Prisoners) Policy 2011
Notifiable instrument NI2011-146
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 2011.

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 NI2010-624.

Barry Folpp
A/g Executive Director 
ACT Corrective Services
24 February 2011

ACT Corrective Services
Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC)

Management of Prisoners 
Policy

Purpose
Authority
Policy
Principles
Staff safety
Physical and dynamic security
Conflict resolution
Staff awareness
Monitoring and challenging unacceptable behaviour
Disciplinary action
Efficiency of operations
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 Alexander Maconochie Centre (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 will be held accountable for their actions.

Staff safety
Corrections officers should be in the company of another corrections officer when searching, unlocking and/or securing prisoners. 

Corrections officers are to adhere to a “sight and sound” method, ensuring that they remain in sight and sound of other corrections officers. This principle may be satisfied by the presence of another corrections officer, camera coverage and/or radio communication.  

If corrections officers feel unsafe with an operational instruction they are to advise their supervisor.

Staff are to activate their personal duress alarms should they consider themselves to be in danger or in need of assistance. 

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:
•	regularly walking through the area in which they are posted;
•	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. 

Corrections officers will 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 Prisoner Discipline Procedure.

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 2007, the Prisoner Discipline Procedure and the Schedule of Penalties.

Efficiency of operations
Corrections officers will ensure they apply policies and procedures consistently. If unsure about any process or situation, clarification and advice should be sought from another corrections officer, the area CO2 or CO3.

Corrections officers will ensure they act consistently towards prisoners at all times, ensuring that all prisoners are treated fairly. 

Services to prisoners will be delivered as scheduled, for example:
•	meals served on time;
•	buy ups delivered when they are supposed to be; 
•	all activities taking place as scheduled; and
•	respond to Prisoner Request Forms in a timely manner.

Toiletries and cleaning materials will be available to prisoners at all times. Corrections officers are to ensure that stores are ordered, but also control them so that stock is available at all times.

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
Conflict Resolution Policy