'That’s assault mate': Investigation into alleged misconduct in private prison & how it was handled

Описание: What happens inside our prisons matters on the outside. Most people sent to prison will eventually be released, so long-term community safety requires effective rehabilitation – but that depends on people being treated humanely.

Today Victorian Ombudsman Marlo Baragwanath tabled a new investigation report in Parliament – ‘That’s assault mate’: Investigation into alleged misconduct in a private prison and how it was handled.

The investigation found that a prison supervisor at the privately run Ravenhall Correctional Centre used unreasonable force by punching the man on remand and restricting his access to medical help; but it did not substantiate the allegation that the supervisor encouraged others to harm the man further.

The investigation also looked at how the prison operator responded to the alleged events and whether Corrections Victoria provided effective oversight. There is an inherent conflict of interest when for-profit prison operators investigate themselves, and this case highlights the importance of Corrections Victoria’s oversight role, especially for serious incidents.

The report recommends the Department of Justice and Community Safety ensure people in prison always have access to medical services, and that private prison staff are removed from frontline service while under active investigation if there is sufficient evidence and a risk to safety and human rights. The investigation also recommended improving the way incidents at private prisons are investigated and reported on, including annual reporting to Parliament to increase transparency.

This investigation builds on the Ombudsman’s work to ensure fairness and human rights across all public services, including prisons. Nowhere else does the state have such control over an individual as when they are incarcerated. Victorians should be assured that wherever there is such extraordinary power, there is also independent oversight, both proactive and reactive, to ensure humane treatment.

Read the report: https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/our-...