❓ The WA Parliament Question on Notice addresses prison officer staffing shortfalls and the impact of COVID-19 on training at the Corrective Services Academy. The response indicates adjustments to training methods to maintain competency standards despite restrictions.
AnsweredQoN 6102Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Corrective Services Academy, and I ask: (a) How many prison officer graduates do you require to address staffing shortfalls by 31 December 2020; (b) Given your answer to (a) will you still be able to achieve this given the COVID-19/coronavirus restrictions: (i) If yes to the above, what training competencies will not be achieved due to hygiene and social distancing requirements e.g. self-defence training; (c) What training competency gaps will prison officer graduates be graduating with that need to be picked up at a later stage; and (d) How will any training competency gaps impact on the operations of WA corrective services facilities?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 May 2020
Responded by
Minister for Emergency Services; Corrective Services
Response time
6 days
(a) Corrective Services has determined that it requires approximately 400 Prison Officers in calendar year 2020. The Academy Foundation Program Calendar 2020 has scheduled a total of 13 Prison Officer Entry Level Training Programs, resulting in an output of 308 Prison Officers. In addition, 85 Officers will transition from the former contractor to Melaleuca Women’s Prison.
(b) Corrective Services is committed to the delivery of all Programs in accordance with the Calendar, including a local Program delivered at Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison (EGRP) tentatively scheduled to commence in July 2020. Corrective Services will continue to monitor the ability to deliver all scheduled programs whilst managing the impacts of COVID-19.
(i) The Corrective Services Training Academy has augmented existing learning and development delivery technology with the implementation of alternate delivery methods (where practicable) such as Skype for theory based modules. Robust personal hygiene requirements have been implemented to reduce risks within specialised training modules such as Defence and Control, Basic Riot Control and Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus. Adjustments have been made to session plans and modes of delivery within the specialised elements to limit prolonged physical contact and/or frequent exposure to alternate training partners within the group. All training competencies and learning outcomes will be achieved in accordance with the Training and Assessment Strategy.
(c) All trainees will transition from the Academy as Probationary Prison Officers to respective facilities having completed all requirements of Module 1 (off the job) of the Entry Level Training Program. Module II (on the job) will occur as normal in the workplace over the following 6 months. No training gaps will be carried over from Module I to Module II of the Program.
(d) Not applicable.
(b) Corrective Services is committed to the delivery of all Programs in accordance with the Calendar, including a local Program delivered at Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison (EGRP) tentatively scheduled to commence in July 2020. Corrective Services will continue to monitor the ability to deliver all scheduled programs whilst managing the impacts of COVID-19.
(i) The Corrective Services Training Academy has augmented existing learning and development delivery technology with the implementation of alternate delivery methods (where practicable) such as Skype for theory based modules. Robust personal hygiene requirements have been implemented to reduce risks within specialised training modules such as Defence and Control, Basic Riot Control and Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus. Adjustments have been made to session plans and modes of delivery within the specialised elements to limit prolonged physical contact and/or frequent exposure to alternate training partners within the group. All training competencies and learning outcomes will be achieved in accordance with the Training and Assessment Strategy.
(c) All trainees will transition from the Academy as Probationary Prison Officers to respective facilities having completed all requirements of Module 1 (off the job) of the Entry Level Training Program. Module II (on the job) will occur as normal in the workplace over the following 6 months. No training gaps will be carried over from Module I to Module II of the Program.
(d) Not applicable.
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