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Foreword This glossary is intended to provide a general frame of reference for words and terms which are commonly used in written and oral communication within the Department of Corrective Services. The "meanings" given are not necessarily those which might apply in other countries or other States and Territories within Australia. Furthermore, the "meanings" are not intended to be definitive and care should be taken with words or terms which may have legislative definitions. The glossary is to be updated on a regular basis and Officers are invited to provide additional items for inclusion in future editions or comment on current "meanings". Suggestions should be sent to: Co-ordination, Planning and Policy Branch Department of Corrective Services Level 15 Roden Cutler House 24 Campbell Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 N R SMETHURST Commissioner N.S.W. DEPT. OF CORRECTIVE SERVICES1 LIBRARY,
Term Meaning Aboriginal ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Inmates Additional Term Afforestation Camps Aggregate Sentence AIC ANCO Appeal Against Sentence Authorised Absences BES a person who identifies as being of Aboriginal descent persons held in New South Wales correctional centres under warrants from ACT courts. Refer Pt.9 s.53-58, Prisons Act 1952 the portion of a sentence for which an inmate may be released on parole open correctional centres associated with pine forest plantations. Camps are now diversifying away from previous afforestation employment the combined total of all sentences being served by an inmate Australian Institute of Criminology, located in Canberra. Provides a forum for discussion and research of issues. Australian National Classification of Offences, a system of standardised numerical codes for offences all inmates are legally entitled to appeal to a higher court against their conviction and sentence or against the severity of the sentence see Leave of Absence common charge/offence - break, enter and steal inmates' permitted weekly purchases made through the correctional centres system, eg. chocolate, magazines, etc. Divided into activities and canteen buy-ups Case Management process of individual intervention by multidisciplinary staff according to assessed risk and behavioural indicators, and individual needs on the basis of an established plan
Cells Capacity: the maximum number of inmates capable of being housed in the correctional centre whilst complying with relevant health and local government regulations. Counted by each inmate security classification group (ie maximum, medium, or minimum security). It does not include special purpose facilities such as sick bays, holding cells or observation facilities Occupied: total cells allocated to inmates (as counted by correctional centre staff) Civil Rehabilitation Committee a registered charitable welfare organisation which co-ordinates services assisting inm3:tes, ex-inmates and their families (eg transport for visits to inmates in correctional centres, court support, post-release accommodation and employment) Commonwealth Prisoners inmates convicted of an MSO (Most Serious Offence) under Commonwealth legislation eg immigration offences Community Service Order Concurrent sentence Correctional Centre Corrective Services Academy sentence under the Community Service Orders Act 1979. These orders, intended as an alternative to imprisonment, currently allow the sentencing Court to impose a maximum of 500 hours of unpaid work in the community upon an offender. Administered by the Community Corrections Service two or more sentences imposed on an inmate which are served within the time of the longest sentence (preferred term) Corrective Services facility for the full-time containment of inmates. Currently 30 such centres in NSW - the oldest is over 150 years old and many have important historical connections. May include a number of different security levels Departmental training and educating centre Crisis Support Unit facility - for inmates with a history of selfharm/mutilation. Includes a life skills component 2
directed at enabling inmates to cope with their situation without resorting to damaging behaviour. Part of Special Care Correctional Centre program Cumulative sentence Death in Custody two or more sentences imposed on an inmate which are served one after the other death of an inmate detained in the custody of the Department (including PDC's, correctional centres and centres managed under contract). Deaths are recorded by cause: - accident; - suicide; - murder; - natural; - unknown The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody included those occurring in Police custody Deputy Governor Detainee Discharge Diversionary Programs Dry Cell deputy to Governor of correctional centre either - a person held in custody on a Commonwealth warrant pending deportation; or - a Periodic Detainee the release of an inmate from a correctional centre or PDC to bail, court, not convicted, no sentence imposed, fine paid, appeal upheld, police custody, parole, at expiration of sentence, etc programs designed to provide the courts with alternatives to terms of full-time imprisonment for convicted persons. Includes Community Service Orders, Periodic Detention and Intensive Community Supervision bare cell in which self-mutilating inmates or inmates suspected of having swallowed contraband may be monitored whilst being held temporarily 3
Emergency Units Escapes Escape Rate Ethnicity Extradition Fine Default Fine Default Order Fitness to Plead Fixed Term rapid response units designed to attend and deal with disturbances and emergencies in NSW correctional centres. Emergency Units also undertake special escorts, special searching and training of staff in emergency procedures non-return from leave and/or unauthorised and illegal exits from custody. A prison offence' as prescribed under Section 34 of the Prisons Act 1952. Convicted escapees must now be classified to EI or E2 and thus confined in particular correctional centres for the remainder of their current sentence and any future sentence. Refer Prison General Regulations 1989 number of escapees divided by average daily state x 100 1 the racial or historical relationship of a group of people who have a common and distinctive culture. Usually applied to people of non-english speaking background (NESB) in Australia the legally sanctioned transfer of an inmate In order to face proceedings in another state of Australia or overseas failure to pay a fine resulting in other sentencing options e.g. a sentence of imprisonment being imposed a court order which allows an offender to undertake community service instead of paying a fine. The offender must apply to the court for such an order capacity of a defendant to plead may be effected by physical or mental condition on a temporary or long term basis the term of imprisonment set by the court under the Sentencing Act 1989, which an offender must serve in custody prior to unconditional release 4
Forensic Patient a person detained as a patient under the Mental Health Act 1990, and subject to periodic review by the Mental Health Review Tribunal. This occurs when a person is; - deemed by a court to be unfit to plead; or - found not guilty due to diminished responsibility; or - scheduled during incarceration GBH common charge/offence grievous bodily harm (assault causing) Governor Habeas Corpus Head sentence High Security Unit (HSU) Hostage Response Group Incident Correctional Officer in charge of all custodial/security matters at a correctional centre. Traditional term now re-introduced, previously was Superintendent a writ or order from a judicial body requiring the production of an inmate to appear before such a body. For example, to attend at Court to give evidence or for sentence applies to Com~onwealth, Australian Capital Territory and interstate inmates only. The combined total of all sentences being served including any non-parole periods. at Goulburn correctional centre. Accommodates up to 20 inmates who are subject to constant surveillance from overhead walkways between let go and lock in times. In the evening each inmate is returned to standard cell group responsible for negotiating and generally dealing with the taking of hostages in any correctional centre an event which is prejudicial to the good order or security of a correctional centre or the safety or wellbeing of inmates or staff eg: 5
- escape; - attempted escape; - assault (attempt and threat); - death; - serious accident; - attempted suicide; - self mutilation; - fire; - drugs (possession/supply); - prohibited articles; - riot, demonstration, strike; - bomb threat; or - security breach Industry Inmate Inmates' Support Group Intensive Community Supervision Leave of Absence (LOA) (full-time inmates) meaningful work programs for inmates; involves both work necessary for the ordinary running of the correctional centre (eg cooking, maintenance, cleaning) and revenue generating enterprises (eg metalwork, manufacture of furniture) (preferred term) person committed to the legal custody of the Department in a correctional centre active at various correctional centres from time to time to benefit inmates in periods of crisis, including receptions pilot diversionary program administered by the Community Corrections Service. An offender's presence at specified location may be confirmed at random intervals via computer controlled telephone data link and or contact by a Community Corrections Officer Program to re-establish inmate's links with community. Orders and permits are granted under certain conditions. Short absences from a correctional centre are either: Escorted: for a specific purpose, for example, to attend a funeral, attend a job interview or to have specialised medical treatment. Usually for day leave only. Inmate must not consume alcohol or enter licensed premises. Inmate is escorted by an authorised person; or 6 N.S.VVs DEPI OF CORRECTIVE SERVICE:~' LiBRARY i
Unesconed: for purposes such as education, training or resettlement. Inmate is allowed to be absent from a correctional centre under prescribed conditions but without escort. Maximum of seven days, may be for weekend or day leavel-only Refer s.29 Prisons Act 1952. See also Work Release Leave of Absence (periodic Detainees) Let Go Lifestyles Unit LMV Lock In Long Term Prisoner may be granted to any periodic detainee by the Officer in Charge of the Periodic Detention Centre. Time granted for Leave of Absence must be served prior to expiration of sentence. May be compulsorily ordered by Officer in Charge of the Periodic Detention Centre if the detainee is unfit for work due to an infectious disease or health or hygiene hazard. Refer Pt.3 s.20-21 Periodic Detention of Prisoners Act 1981. morning release of inmates from wings. See also Lock In a residential program of up to three months at Long Bay Correctional Complex for inmates who are HIV positive and are at a crisis point. Offers skills and support in maintaining a healthy lifestyle to cope with HIV status common charge/offence - larceny of a motor vehicle daily securing of inmates in wings for the night. Usually takes place in late afternoon in high security, and during the evening in lower security correctional centres. See also let go an inmate who is: - serving a life sentence; or - a forensic patient; or - (for Classification purposes) is serving a sentence or sentences that require the person to be imprisoned for 12 months or more Refer Definitions, Prisons General Regulations 1989 7
Medical Segregation Minimum Term Most Serious Offence (MSO) Multi-Purpose Unit (MPU) Needs Assessment NUS Offence Classification Offender Offender Population physical separation of inmates diagnosed as carrying infectious diseases under the provisions of the Sentencing Act 1989 courts may set a minimum term. At the expiry of the minimum term the offender is eligible for parole. the offence which carries the highest sentencing penalty imposed is the most serious offence. If two offences have equally long sentences, the one with the lowest ANCO code. If unsentenced, the charge with lowest ANCO code applies at Goulburn correctional centre. Total 87 cells including 56 long term protection cells, 10 segregation cells, 10 crisis intervention cells, 2 dry cells with 24 hour monitoring. Facilities for developmentally delayed inmates. Usual programs such as drug and alcohol, education, hobbies, recreation and industry are available process of identifying an inmate's requirements for support services and program intervention during their involvement in the correctional system not under sentence; includes those on remand, awaiting trial, appellants and deportees a system for grouping types of offences under standardised headings a convicted person the total number of persons who are either sentenced or unsentenced (i.e. those convicted and awaiting sentence). Also used to include those who have been refused bail and are held on remand awaiting trial in custody in a correctional centre Offenders Review Board (ORB) determines applications for parole by inmates serving a total determinate sentence of more than three years 8
Offender Records System (ORS) computerised record of inmates' sentences, prison offences, location, release date, etc. Official Visitor Parole Periodic Detention Centre (PDC) Placement Prescribed Property a person appointed under Section 8 of the Prisons Act 1952. Official Visitors visit each correctional centre at least once per month to receive and channel inmates' and Correctional Officers' complaints. Generally monitor conditions in correctional centres as an independent community representative conditional release of an inmate from custody usually subject to post release supervision by the Community Corrections Service, normally for the period of the additional sentence (maximum 3 years). Determined by Offenders Review Board if original sentence was of over three years centre for the serving of sentences of imprisonment imposed under the Periodic Detention of Prisoners Act 1981. Usually served between Friday evening and Sunday evening until the expiration of the sentence. Initiatives have now been taken to extend this to mid-week detention as well. Wherever possible inmates are utilised on community work. Current maximum sentence length of three years. Inmates who have served over one third of their sentence and meet a number of other criteria are eligible for Stage 2, which is non-residential assignment of an inmate to the correctional centre most appropriate to the security classification of the inmate and the individual's needs assessment personal property approved for retention at a correctional centre for inmates of a particular classification level. Includes Reception Room property and cell property. Refer cl.25 Prisons Regulations 1989. Periodic Detention Centre inmates are allowed only such items as the Officer in Charge may approve. Refer Pt.3 s.15 Periodic Detention of Prisoners Act 1981 9
Prison Prisoner Prisoners' Aid Association Prisoner Classification Committees see correctional centre (preferred term) see inmate (preferred term) a registered charitable welfare organisation, partially funded by Department. Performs a variety of functions including inmates' banking, post-release help (eg clothing and meal vouchers) manage the continuing classification action of inmates and their placement based on Program Review Committee (PRe) recommendations. Committees comprise; Manager or Deputy Manager Prisoner Classification, Deputy Governor (Classification), an industries officer, a programs officer, a psychologist, a Parole officer and any other persons as determined by the Commissioner. Refer cl.l0-17 Prisons Regulations 1989 Privatisation Probation Program participation of private sector companies In provision of services and in joint ventures with the public sector. Examples in corrections include the establishment and operation of the Junee correctional centre, and the metal fabrication industry at Muswellbrook (St Reliers). Refer Prisons (Contract Management) Amendment Act 1990 release from Court subject to a recognisance (or bond) on conditional freedom without a sentence of imprisonment being served. There is a range of conditions which can be imposed by the sentencing court, including supervision of the offender by the Community Corrections Service. The offender must agree to the conditions of the order integrated approach to pursuing corporate objectives in relation to the assessment, care, management and development of inmates 10
Program Review Committees (pres) Protection Recall Weeks Reception review classification, placement and developmental programs of long term inmates at each centre at least once each 6 months. Recommendations are forwarded to Inmate Classification Committees for ratification. PRCs also review developmental programs determined by Reception Committees. Refer Pt.2 cl.15 Prisons Regulations 1989 inmates are segregated from the normal correctional centre population at their own request or by the order of the Governor due to a potential threat to the safety of an individual. Protection inmates are usually held in groups with similar requirements compulsory further attendance at Corrective Services Academy by Correctional Officers for post primary training procedures involved in admitting an inmate to a correctional centre which include; - informing offenders of their rights, entitlements, obligations; - dealing with private property; - collection of personal and demographic information; and - identification of special needs and suitable developmental programs Recidivist Regional Commander Remandee a person with a history of re-offending senior Correctional Officer in charge of several correctional centres within a defined area. Based at regional offices a person held in custody under a remand warrant issued by a court either because bail has not been granted or the person was unable to meet bail conditions set by the court. A remandee has not been convicted of the offence(s) specified on the warrant 11
Remission Risk/Needs Inventory Section 22 Order Section 29 Order Security Assessment Security Classification reductions of sentence as a result of different factors, including inmate's "good behaviour". Remissions became virtually automatic in the NSW correctional system prior to abolition under the Sentencing Act 1989 an assessment tool used to determine the risk to the community of a particular inmate and the needs of that inmate. Particularly directed to help the person address his/her offending behaviour an order allowing the segregation of inmates for various purposes, including the preservation of good order and discipline of the correctional centre. Maximum continuous period of six months unless approved by Minister. May be initiated by Governor or inmate. Refer s. 22 Prisons Act 1952 allows conditional, short-period releases. If inmates do not return in accordance with the order, or upon its revocation, they are deemed to have escaped. Refer s. 29 Prisons Act 1952. See also Leave of Absence process of determining the appropriate security classification of an inmate for his/her placement in the correctional system the grading of an inmate based on the assessment of degree of jeopardy to the good order of the correctional centre, escape and public risk. All inmates are classified to an appropriate security level by either the local reception committee or the classification committee after sentencing. Possible classifications are; Al - constitute a special risk to good order and security, require.confinement within a secure physical barrier that includes towers; A2 - require confinement within a secure physical barrier that includes towers or some other highly secure perimeter structures; 12
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B - to be confined by a secure physical barrier at all times; C1, - to be confined by a physical barrier unless under supervision; may not require to be handcuffed whilst on escort; C2 - need not be confined by a physical barrier at all times but who need some level of supervision; eligible for outside work and/or sports warrant and consideration for day leave; C3 - need not be confined by a physical barrier at all times, nor to be supervised and may go into the general community unsupervised; E1 - escaper, to be confined in high security correctional centre; E2 - escaper, to be confined within a secure physical barrier. Refer Pt.2 cl.8 Prisons Regulations 1989 and cl.9a Prisons Regulations 1990 Security Level the physical barriers and surveillance measures in place to prevent escape from a correctional centre and control inmate behaviour Maximum/High facility designed for inmates who are likely to make active efforts to escape or require close supervision at all times. 24 hours surveillance (visual or electronic) of the peri~eter and a 24 hours armed response capability Medium facility for inmates who are not likely to make efforts to escape but will take advantage of an opportunity to do so. Limited perimeter surveillance after lock-in Minimum facility with minimal physical barriers where inmates are on an understanding of trust not to leave the centre. Includes camps and works release centres Self Mutilation causing InjUry to oneself by cutting, burning, ingesting foreign objects etc. 13
Segregation Sentence Sentencing Act 1989 (Truth In) Serious Offenders Review Board (S.O.R.B.) separation of inmate for own protection and/or the protection of others or the good order and discipline of the correctional centre the sanction or judgement imposed by a Court or a judicial body. Under the Sentencing Act 1989, a sentence of imprisonment is either a fixed term or a minimum term plus an additional term. A minimum term is the sentence of imprisonment which must be served in custody and the additional term is the period of the sentence which may be served on parole in the community requires convicted inmates to serve the full minimum or fixed term of imprisonment set by the Court. After expiry of the minimum term offenders are eligible for release to parole for the period of any additional term imposed by the Court a statutory body constituted under the Prisons Act whose functions are to; - prepare reports for Supreme Court in respect of applications for determination of minimum and additional terms for existing Life sentences; - prepare reports for Offenders Review Board regarding the release on parole of inmates serving life sentences; and - to make revocations and variations of licences for former life sentence inmates who have been released to the community. Refer Pt 10, s. 59 Prisons Act 1952 Special Care Unit Special Needs Unit a therapeutic community for inmates who have a demonstrated incapacity to adjust properly to serving a sentence and/or progressing towards a successful return to the community. Also serves as a training unit for correctional staff learning to manage inmates under unit management and case management principles. (See also Crisis Support Unit) established to define and meet needs of inmates including social skills, lifeskills, AIDS 14
management, drug and treatment, personality, behavioural problems alcohol education interpersonal and Special Treatment State (Daily) State (Weekly) State Security Team Supervision segregation or partial segregation of an inmate from the general correctional centre.- population for a period for reasons of security or safety of the individual. Not imposed as a punishment for an offence or breach of discipline number of occupied cells/bed spaces (as calculated by Research and Statistics Unit) number of inmates in custody as at Sunday night (see also cells) mobile force to assist Regional Emergency Units in quelling disturbances and riots in correctional centres a sentenced person may be placed under the supervision of a Community Corrections Officer. This includes: - probation; - parole; - community service; - intensive community supervision (trial program only); and - attendance centres Unit Management Violent Offender being introduced throughout correctional centres. Based on small groups of inmates interacting with a small group of Correctional Officers, consistent management, development of trust and individual dignity, and creation of opportunities to acquire the life skills important to post-release assimilation the designation of an inmate as violent follows a careful assessment of behavioural traits, current sentence details and previous offences. An inmate may be designated as violent even though not currently sentenced for a violent offence. 15
Visiting Justice (VJ) Magistrate appointed to each correctional centre by Chief Magistrate under the provisions of the Prisons Act. VJ's can order that; - alleged offences be dealt with at a hearing or by a Local Court depending on seriousness of charge; - the inmate pay compensation (apart from other penalties such as loss of privileges, extension of sentence, etc) Refer Pt 2, s. 10 Prisons Act 1952 Visits an unconvicted inmate is entitled to a visit immediately after reception and then twice weekly. Appellants and convicted inmates may be visited once immediately after conviction and thence as arranged at the individual correctional centre. Civil inmates (ie those held other than because of a criminal offence) may be visited daily as often as permitted by the Governor of the correctional centre. Inmates confined to cells or in administrative segregation are not entitled to personal visits. There are two main types; normal (contact) visits - vary between contact over a low table to meetings in picnic settings in low security correctional centre grounds. The norm is two contact visits per week for one hour each, dependent on arrangements at individual correctional centres box visits - restriction imposed by Governor following the breaching of visit conditions, whereby no physical contact between inmate and visitor is permitted Refer Pt.IO cl.84-113 Prisons Regulations 1989. Work Release Program a strictly controlled program for inmates who are in the last year of their sentence, who have achieved a C3 classification and satisfy a number of other criteria, are allowed to work in the community in the period leading up to their release from custody. They are required to pay 16
for their board and lodging in the correctional centre whilst on the program. Graduated amounts of weekend leave are included. Participating inmates may be placed at Windsor or Parklea (Young Offenders), Silverwater (males) or the Norma Parker Centre (females) Young Offenders' Program a ten stage program directed at 18-21 year old inmates. Intensive course of educational, behavioural, vocational, developmental and detoxification measures. The aim is to provide participants with skills, knowledge and support to enable more effective community living. The program includes the option of a sixteen week outdoor challenge module as well as a work release opportunity f \t 17