Kariong and Kirkconnell Correctional Centres and the Integration Support Centre

Background

The rising inmate population in NSW has presented service delivery challenges for Corrective Services NSW, requiring the repurposing of some centres, the re-opening of centres which had been closed, and the opening of new centres. Kariong, Kirkconnell and the Integration Support Centre were selected for inspection due to their similar inmate cohorts. This is the first time that we have inspected these facilities.

Where we inspected

We inspected three centres that accommodate people who are, or who have been, difficult to safely place while in custody.

Kirkconnell Correctional Centre accommodates sentenced inmates who have previously had placement and association restrictions.

The Integration Support Centre is a residential facility providing post-release accommodation for offenders who have had placement and association restrictions in custody and are unable to find suitable post-release accommodation.

At the time of inspection Kariong Correctional Centre accommodated remand inmates with placement and association restrictions. However, it has subsequently begun operating as an Intake and Transit Centre.

Recommendations

The Inspector makes 16 recommendations. These include systemic and facility specific improvements in:

• Conditions and treatment of inmates
• Electronic monitoring
• Staff training

Report

The Kariong and Kirkconnell Correctional Centres and the Integration Support Centre Report was tabled in parliament and published in November 2020.

Kariong and Kirkconnell Correctional Centres and the Integration Support Centre Report (PDF , 5.4 MB)

Media release