Prison " Lockdowns " !

The twenty-seven " Correctional Facilities " in the state of New South Wales have an enviable record for peace and tranquillity.   We are not seeing news headlines of rioting prisoners taking hostages, torching gaols - and standoffs between inmates and their warders.

That seems more the scene at the detention centres - where " Boat people " are held while their immigration status is decided.

Now there are warnings that all is not well within our criminal correctional facilities as the number of " lockdowns " increase in numbers.    To those not versed in our gaol systems, a lockdown occurs when the usual routine is interrupted and the prisoner is forced to remain in his or her cell indefinitely - perhaps for days in some circumstances -  until normal routine is restored.

That means no showers.   No phone calls to relatives.  No visits from loved ones. No exercise - and very basic food such as sandwiches delivered to and eaten in a confined space.

This lockdown increase seems to be related to cut backs in public service numbers.   Five thousand public service redundancies are working through the system and three hundred and fifty will come from the prison staffing roster.    When not enough crew are available to run the prison in the regulation manner - the institution goes into lockdown for safety reasons.

Lockdowns are a prime cause of tension within the prison system.   Most prisoners share a cell with others, and in some cases this can be an unfortunate mix of personalities.  At best, a lockdown sharply increases boredom - and it disrupts education classes and work within the prison which is a classic tool of rehabilitation.

Another important interruption is the visits by loved ones.   Constant contact with home for those serving time is an important part of the rehabilitation process because it keeps hope alive.  Many friends and relatives travel long distances for visits - and to be told with no prior notice that visits are cancelled indefinitely can sometimes force them to abandon further attempts.

Prisons are a place of tension, and if that tension is allowed to reach unbearable levels there will be repercussions in prisoner behaviour.   Lowering the staffing levels in the gaol system may not be a wise move - if it results in a sharp lockdown incidence.

The warnings are coming - loud and clear.   If they continue to be ignored, they will probably be newspaper headlines further down the track !