NCJ Number
112634
Journal
American Jails Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1988) Pages: 65-66,68,70,72,74-76
Date Published
1988
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Queensland, Australia's second largest State, has five prisons and two prison farms administered by the Queensland Prison Service.
Abstract
Head offices of the Service include four major divisions: security and investigations, personnel and service development, prisoner programs, and administration. Each correctional facility is managed by a superintendent, who is responsible for the institution, its staff, and its inmates. The goal of the Service is to exercise safe, secure, and humane control of offenders while assisting them to become law-abiding citizens. Special efforts are being made in the areas of security, especially in new prisons, and staff training. The three newest prisons employ the latest security technologies. Cells have been designed to be both comfortable and secure; individual living areas are self-supporting, with separate dining, lounge, and recreation areas; an officers' station; and movement control stations. Perimeter security is provided by three systems: a seismic system for in-ground movement detection, a Peizo sensor for fence movement detection, and an infrared beam system to operate the seismic system. These systems interface with alarm and closed-circuit television systems, have a low false alarm rate, and are unaffected by radio frequency interference. Staff training is provided at a college specifically for this purpose. A major achievement has been the establishment of a prison management development program. The program incorporates a self-development theme, courses to increase behavioral competencies, practical application of theory, coaching, and constant evaluation and feedback. Modules cover identification of learning needs, interpersonal skills and self-awareness, management, placements, and review. Photographs.