The number of video and tablet visits to inmates in NSW correction centres +since COVID-19 visitor restrictions came into effect has passed the 100,000 mark, helping inmates stay connected with their loved ones.
Corrective Services NSW said staff across the State had worked hard to enable family video visits, and in some cases connected inmates to parents overseas, reunited them with pets, even permitting one inmate to attend his daughter’s wedding via an audio visual link (AVL).
Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW, Peter Severin praised the Agency’s correctional officers and administration staff for utilising the technology.
“The past six months have been a challenging time and our staff have adapted and embraced innovation to ensure inmates can maintain the important and valuable links with their loved ones,” Mr Severin said.
“I want to thank NSW corrections staff for their hard work, enthusiasm and passion,” he said.
“We know that family connections are vital for an offender’s rehabilitation and our staff are committed to reducing reoffending and keeping the community safe.”
Mr Severin said that prior to COVID-19 visitor restrictions, which were introduced in March, there were about 4,500 face-to-face visits each week across the state’s 35 correctional centres.
“A survey of 5,000 inmate family and friends in July found that 90 per cent were satisfied with the family video visit experience and 85 per cent want family video visits to continue once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted,” he said.
“The survey also found that after seeing their loved one, the best part of a video visit was being able to show the inmate their home environment or pets.”
He said that in some centres the AVL studios were now operating up to 13 hours a day to cater to the growing number of courts and professional matters as well as the huge take-up of family visits.
