PPE

The POVB Executive have been meeting with CSNSW yesterday (22nd September), and will have an update on this issue as soon as possible.

Body Scanners in Centres

There have been a total of 58 full body x-ray scanners installed in 23 Correctional Centres. The scanning of male and female inmates has now commenced. Over 644 CSNSW staff hold the required IA42 Radiation User Licence.

The scanning of visitors is proposed to commence 29 October 2021. Although this is the proposed date, COVID restrictions currently apply on contact visits. When visits do recommence, a minimum of 50 per cent of visitors in the week must be selected at random to undergo full body x-ray scanning.

If a visitor refuses to be body scanned they may be offered one of the following:

• A non-contact visit if one is available
• An alternative search procedure (i.e. scanning via a metal detector or SOG attending with a canine); or
• Refused entry to the correctional centre.

At present the POVB Executive have had no issues raised to them around the implementation of Body Scanners.

Prison Bed Capacity Program (PBCAP)

The last centre to implement their centres PBCAP was Goulburn Correctional Centre (GCC). This means that the PBCAP reform process has now been completed.

Any issues that centres have should be placed on the issues register and then addressed as per the Custodial Operations Policy and Procedures (COPP) in the Union Consultative Committee (UCC).

If issues cannot be resolved then they are to be raised to the POVB Executive.

In-Cell Tablet Roll-Out

The In-Cell Tablet roll out is being implemented in Correctional Centres across the State. There have been several motions moved by various POVB Sub-Branches, raising concerns over staffing to facilitate the In-Cell tablet initiative.

A meeting was held on 8th September 2021 to address the concerns raised. It was made clear to CSNSW the following:

• The POVB view the initiative as new business
• What may work in a Minimum Security centre will not work in a Maximum or Medium Security centre.
• The implementation of this initiative was not factored into the staffing requirements when centres were presented PBCAP proposed staffing establishments.

During the consultative meeting, CSNSW gave a presentation to the POVB highlighting that ‘Trusted’ Inmates sweepers were to be used instead of relying on Correctional Officers handing out, collecting, charging and accounting for the tablets. It was also highlighted that the responsibility of the In-Cell Tablets would be managed by the Functional Manager Accommodation (or Security) which they said minimises the workload on POVB posts that already struggle with the workload due to Benchmarking and PBCAP reforms.

There was an agreed approach determined and CSNSW wrote back to PSA regarding this process.

The process moving forward is:

• Local consultation takes place with all relevant stakeholders.
• All issues are to be tabled. POVB Executive will assist with issues raised.
• If it is determined that an increase of staff is required, it is to be applied for as per the COPP 21.13 Correctional centre variations.

Delegate Training

PSA training staff and the POVB Executive have been working on developing a custom POVB training package for the role of the Delegate. The course will assist POVB Delegates in the following:

• The importance of the issues register;
• The dispute resolution process;
• How to run a meeting and minute taking;
• How to construct motions;
• The safe staffing award;
• Awards;
• Bullying and Harassment/Sexual Harassment; and
• Work Health Safety committees and Health Safety Representatives (HSR’s).

Currently, three training dates have been set, with the first date will be in held on 20 October 2021 via Zoom. COVID restrictions will determine whether future courses are carried out by Zoom or in person at PSA House.

Delegates have been contacted for the first session and we will look at the other two sessions when we know more about the COVID restrictions.

Insignia and Rank Proposal

The POVB State Executive met with CSNSW, who have proposed a change to our rank insignia. It is proposed that for every ten years of service as a Correctional Officer, an additional bar will be added to the epaulet at the respective rank. This will apply to First Class Correctional Officers and Senior Correctional Officers up to four bars for 40 years’ service. It is also proposed that Probationary Correctional Officers will wear epaulets with no rank.

Firearms and Tactical Safety Committee

The POVB Executive attend the Firearms and Tactical Safety Committee. The following has been raised:

• Soft Ankle Restraints – These restraints are proposed for Inmates admitted to hospital and will be trialled by the Medical Escort Unit (MEU). It is an alternative option to restraining inmates to hospital beds with handcuffs.
• Refresher Firearms Training – The POVB have pushed this issue for a number of years. The online component is currently in development and close to completion. Commissioner Corcoran is in support of more regular re-shoots.
• Avon PC 50 Gas Mask – CSNSW will move to this gas mask following successful trials.
• SAF-LOK Mk5 Hand cuff inserts for female inmates – Currently in trial phase
• Safe Direction Bag – This bag is designed for medical escorts and is fitted with ballistic inserts designed for safer handover of firearms in a hospital setting.
• Stun Cuffs – This is a non-lethal option for medical escorts or other outside escorts designed to prevent escape. These ankle cuffs have a cable attached which enables the Officer to deliver a shock to the Inmate when attempting escape. Further investigation is taking place if this is a viable non-lethal option for CSNSW
• Load Bearing Vests – The POVB are seeking a universal Load Bearing Vest for SOG, CESU and MEU that is appropriate for staff in those units. We will be updated on the progress at the next Firearms and Tactical Safety Committee.
• Use of flexi cuff training – The use of flexi cuffs is an option to restrain inmates that has been largely ignored over the past few years. CSNSW is pushing for greater training and awareness for Correctional Officers in the use of flexi cuffs.
• Super soft rounds – Have been approved for use and roll out to SOG. More info will be provided following the next meeting on the training and updates to the COPP.
• Pepper ball rounds – SOG have begun testing and trials of the use of CS Gas pepper ball rounds. The balls are designed to disperse CS Gas pellets when they hit an inmate. They are designed to localise the amount of gas dispersed to the inmate.
• IAT vests – A working group has been set up to propose improvements to IAT vests.
• Spit hoods – On the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.
• Metro courts’ gun safes are to be relocated, with unloading devices installed – ongoing discussion.

 

The next Firearms & Tactical Safety Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 29th September. We will keep you updated following that meeting.