An internal management review into how a hole in the perimeter fence of the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) was not detected until a day after it was made has found staff failed to comply with security processes to immediately identify the perimeter breach.
The Commissioner of ACT Corrective Services, Jon Peach said human error was to blame for the failure to immediately detect the hole which was believed to have been made in the fence on 3 November 2019.
“Full compliance with established processes would have negated the failure to detect a breach of this nature,” Mr Peach said.
“I am pleased that the review has confirmed our security procedures are appropriate,” he said.
“However it is disappointing that potential human error led to the delay in identification of this breach for a day.”
Mr Peach said that since November, ACT Corrective Services had strengthened procedures at the AMC around the requirements for correctional officers to monitor the security of the prison perimeter and respond to perimeter alarms.
He said the role of ACT Corrective Services staff was to uphold the safety and security of detainees and the public.
“It is imperative that we ensure that not only are our policies and procedures significantly robust but that they are adhered to appropriately,” Mr Peach said.
“I am working with my staff to mitigate the potential for a recurrence of such incidents.”
He said a formal investigation into the alleged human error was ongoing.
Minister for Corrections and Justice Health, Shane Rattenbury said the review report had been provided to the ACT Inspector of Correctional Services.
