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Van Diemen's Land: Revisited

NCJ Number
112623
Journal
American Jails Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1988) Pages: 55-56,59-60
Author(s)
W C Paterson
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Formerly the site of a penal colony in the 1800's, contemporary Tasmania's corrections system consists of a 420-bed maximum security prison, a 70-bed minimum security prison farm for male inmates, and a 24-bed facility for female inmates.
Abstract
At the maximum-security facility, Risdon Gaol, inmates are brought to a reception center where personal information is recorded and property is cataloged and stored, and they are examined by a physician within 24 hours. In both the remand division and the prison proper, cells are unlocked at 7:00 a.m., headcounts are conducted before each meal, and final lockup is at 5:00 p.m. Remandees help clean the remand division prior to engaging in recreational activities. Inmate movements are controlled through a pass system. Remandees are allowed two visits per week. While not required to work, remandees can elect to participate in any of the prison industries. Although they do not enjoy all the activities and privileges of sentenced inmates, remandees are subject to all prison rules and regulations and can be charged with any of 34 offenses, ranging from mutiny and assault to lending articles to another detainee without permission. In general, remandees receive only cursory attention, although the average time until sentencing is 3 weeks. Classification takes place if the remandee is sentenced to prison. Photographs and map.

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