Published on 24 June 2021

Deputy Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches’ report on the Evaluation of the Practices, Policies and Procedures of the Department for Correctional Services has been tabled in Parliament today.

The Deputy Commissioner has made 24 recommendations.

The evaluation focused primarily on the corruption and integrity risks inherent in prison environments, together with some aspects of departmental practice. The Deputy Commissioner said that managing and working in a prison environment is extraordinarily dynamic and complex. The nature of the prison environment is such that opportunities for staff to engage in corruption are plentiful.

The Deputy Commissioner said, ‘I have made a number of suggestions aimed at improving accountability and integrity, including enhanced training about grooming behaviours, improvements to surveillance and the further assessment of the use of body-worn cameras throughout all prisons.’

The report also identifies opportunities to make improvements to the Department’s policy framework, recruitment and training processes, as well as strengthening expectations of performance management.

The Deputy Commissioner said, ‘I wish to thank the Chief Executive, his executive staff and Departmental employees for their significant contribution to the evaluation.’

The Evaluation of the Practices, Policies and Procedures of the Department for Correctional Services can be downloaded from the ICAC website – icac.sa.gov.au

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Related downloads:
ICAC Media Release - Evaluation of the Department for Correctional Services - report tabled - 24 June 2021