National Corrections Day, held last week, recognised the State’s Corrections staff and the crucial role they play in safeguarding the community and helping to reduce reoffending.
The day was endorsed by all jurisdictions to honour staff and the contribution they made to the safe management and rehabilitation of offenders.
This year’s theme, Every Voice Matters, acknowledged the diversity of roles undertaken by staff working in the complex and challenging Corrections system.
Director General of the Department of Justice, Adam Tomison said Correctional staff were responsible for the safe management of prisons, the health and welfare of those in custody, teaching life-skills and job qualifications, and guiding those serving time in the community onto the right path.
“We are very proud of our 4,800 staff and the difficult work they do every day providing support for the management of adults and young people with the most complex needs,” Dr Tomison said.
Acting Commissioner of the Adult Male Prisons Directorate, Mike Reynolds said many Corrections staff worked around the clock in a high-risk environment and their efforts were largely unseen and unheralded.
“Every day staff on the front-line and those behind the scenes help to manage 16 public prisons and a youth detention centre as well as helping offenders in the community comply with court orders,” Commissioner Reynolds said.
To mark National Corrections Day the Department of Justice produced exclusiveimages a 24-hour period in the life of its Corrective Services staff.
From 6am on 15 December, photographers gained special access to prisons and offender services around the State capturing the essential work being done to keep the community safe.
A resulting online pictorial tribute documents the diverse and complex roles that more than 4,800 Corrective services staff perform. It can be viewed at this PS News link.
