WA Dept Corrective Services - Response to Deaths In Custody Watch Committee (WA)

09 Feb 2010

The following may be attributed to Commissioner Ian Johnson

The Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (WA) has jumped the gun with the release of its statement today, titled ‘Prisoner Transport Under Scrutiny’.

As reported Monday, I made the firm decision at last Wednesday’s Board meeting that the Carnarvon lockup would not be used for overnight prisoner accommodation while it remains in its current state and that this week would be the last time the lockup would be used while the Department puts in place operational changes in regards to safety and security.

I was disappointed to read that the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (WA) made a presumption that these changes would entail handcuffing prisoners to coach seats for a 17 hour coach journey. This is simply not the case.

In fact, we are still working through the operational issues and options which include the possibility of air charters. When transporting offenders on journeys in excess of 2000 km there are a number of safety, security and logistical challenges than cannot be underestimated or simply solved overnight.

The circumstances leading to the tragic death of Mr Ward and the immense suffering this has brought upon his family and community will never be forgotten by me or this Department.

At the time I promised we would continue to look at ways we can reduce the need for transporting prisoners in the first instance and how we can improve the safety and security of those who have to be transported. That is why I made the decision not to allow prisoners be held overnight at the Carnarvon lock up.

ENDS

Source: http://www.correctiveservices.wa.gov.au/_apps/news/detail.aspx?uid=2473-1215-7272-2380&ID=725

Read DICWC response to Commissioner Ian Johnson