Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) has facilitated more than 16,000 video visits between inmates and their families after face-to-face contact was suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.
CSNSW Commissioner Peter Severin (pictured) said prison staff had worked hard to utilise existing audio-visual studios, as well as tablet technology and mobile-signal boosters for prisons in remote areas.
“It was a mammoth effort by staff to put in place the technology, security and booking arrangements for the video visits trial,” Commissioner Severin said,
“I want to thank our officers who have worked hard to ensure this technology was not only available but that it worked,” he said.
Commissioner Severin said corrections staff had shown great professionalism in adapting to the rapidly evolving situation and their work on the frontline should be acknowledged and applauded.
CSNSW Deputy Commissioner Luke Grant said it was important for inmates to maintain family links “just like the rest of the community”.
“Inmates need to keep up phone calls and contact with their loved ones as it can assist with their reintegration into the community upon release, and strong support from families can also lessen their chances of reoffending,” Deputy Commissioner Grant said.
“It’s equally important for children, siblings, parents and partners of inmates to be able to talk to and see their loved ones, especially at this challenging time,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Grant said that when it was considered safe to do so, CSNSW would reinstate face-to-face visits and would look at how they could be reintroduced safely, while maintaining social distancing.
