Administration of Sentences - NSW Ombudsman - NSW Government

Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... i
Background to report .................................................................................................................................................i
Increased powers of correctional offi cers stop, detain and search people and vehicles .........................................i
The right of victims of serious offences to make oral submissions at parole hearings .......................................... iii
Recapture of escaped inmates ................................................................................................................................ iv
Signifi cant fi ndings ....................................................................................................................................................v
Summary of recommendations ................................................................................................................. vii
Glossary of terms ..................................................................................................................................... xiii
Part 1. Background ..................................................................................... 1
Chapter 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. The correctional system ...............................................................................................................................3
1.2. Legislative change ........................................................................................................................................5
1.3. The role of the Ombudsman .........................................................................................................................5
1.4. The structure of this report ............................................................................................................................6
Chapter 2. Methodology .............................................................................................................................. 7
2.1. Literature review ............................................................................................................................................7
2.2. Review of legislation in other jurisdictions ....................................................................................................7
2.3. Observation ..................................................................................................................................................7
2.4. Interviews with stakeholders .........................................................................................................................8
2.5. Provision of information by government departments .................................................................................8
2.6. Provision of information from individuals ......................................................................................................9
2.8. Review of complaints to our offi ce .............................................................................................................12
2.9. Audit of contraband fi nds in correctional facilities ......................................................................................13
2.10. Discussion paper ........................................................................................................................................14
2.11. Circulation of draft report to agencies ........................................................................................................15
Part 2. Increased powers of correctional offi cers to stop, detain and
search people and vehicles ...................................................................... 17
Chapter 3. Items prohibited from being brought into places of detention ............................................. 19
3.1. Restrictions on inmate property ..................................................................................................................19
3.2. Demand for contraband items ...................................................................................................................20
3.3. Entry of contraband items into places of detention ...................................................................................20
3.4. Australian laws banning certain items from places of detention ................................................................21
3.5. NSW legislation and policies ......................................................................................................................24
3.6. Clarity of NSW provisions ...........................................................................................................................25
NSW Ombudsman
Review of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment Act 2002 and Summary Offences Amendment (Places of Detention) Act 2002 5