❓ A parliamentary question seeks information on sexual relationships between prison officers and prisoners, and related security breaches. The Minister responds that no officers were found guilty, but allegations are investigated and reported to relevant authorities.
AnsweredQoN 1211Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Can the Minister for Corrective Services advise of the number of instances where there were sexual relationships between prison officers and prisoners for the financial years of: (a) 2011-12; and (b) 2012-13? (2) Can the Minister for Corrective Services advise of the number of instances where the sexual relationships between prison officers and prisoners involved cells within a maximum security prison being left unsecured, thereby compromising the security and good order of the prison? (3) Was there an investigation into these events? (4) If no to (3), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 June 2014
Responded by
Attorney General representing the Minister for Corrective Services
Response time
40 days
(1-3) The Department of Corrective Services reports to the Corruption and Crime Commission in accordance with its reporting obligations under the
Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003
. These reports include instances of sexual relationships between prison officers and prisoners. The Department of Corrective Services also reports such allegations to the police when necessary and appropriate. Allegations are actively assessed and investigated when appropriate in order to maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability amongst all Department of Corrective Services staff.
I can advise that in the years 2011-12 and 2012-13, there were no prison officers found guilty of having a sexual relationship with a prisoner.
It is important to note that allegations of a sexual relationship are generally not the primary focus of an investigation, as a sexual relationship is often a part of a broader pattern of conduct. For example "corruption" involving the introduction of contraband into a prison may also involve a sexual relationship, which has been used as a grooming technique. Therefore, the categorisation of misconduct which may involve sexual relationships is quite broad.
I can advise that the instance which this question may relate to refers to a single allegation this year at a maximum security prison. The Prison Officer involved resigned during the discipline investigation. The Corruption and Crime Commission was advised in accordance with s 28(2) of the
Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003
.
(4) Not Applicable.
Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003
. These reports include instances of sexual relationships between prison officers and prisoners. The Department of Corrective Services also reports such allegations to the police when necessary and appropriate. Allegations are actively assessed and investigated when appropriate in order to maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability amongst all Department of Corrective Services staff.
I can advise that in the years 2011-12 and 2012-13, there were no prison officers found guilty of having a sexual relationship with a prisoner.
It is important to note that allegations of a sexual relationship are generally not the primary focus of an investigation, as a sexual relationship is often a part of a broader pattern of conduct. For example "corruption" involving the introduction of contraband into a prison may also involve a sexual relationship, which has been used as a grooming technique. Therefore, the categorisation of misconduct which may involve sexual relationships is quite broad.
I can advise that the instance which this question may relate to refers to a single allegation this year at a maximum security prison. The Prison Officer involved resigned during the discipline investigation. The Corruption and Crime Commission was advised in accordance with s 28(2) of the
Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003
.
(4) Not Applicable.
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