NCJ Number
191606
Journal
Prison Review International Issue: 1 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 27-30
Date Published
July 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines design and management in privatized Australian corrections facilities.
Abstract
Australia has a system of penal and detention centers run by or for its Federal and State governments. Private prisons for low-risk inmates have operated for 10 years in Australia; long-sentence and maximum security prisons that hold the most dangerous or notorious criminals are still managed by State governments. Ten centers are managed by Australasian Correctional Management (ACM), which has about 4,600 prisoners and detainees in its charge. One of the centers houses 600 male prisoners (remand, sentenced, protection) on a 220-acre site. Security is provided by remote closed-circuit TV and electronic detection systems, and manned control points. A second center houses reception and remand prisoners and illegal immigrants. All of the privatized centers provide rehabilitation programs and opportunities to acquire educational and vocational skills. One of the newest prisons includes facilities for the special needs of aboriginal prisoners. The rate of imprisonment of Aborigines is 12 times greater than the national average and they are more vulnerable to self-harm in detention than others. The article claims that the level of self-harm in Australia's private prisons is significantly lower than in public prisons.