Infrastructure and staffing were under pressure
Rising prisoner numbers meant the ageing infrastructure was under increasing pressure. At the same time, regular and persistent custodial staffing shortages affected daily operations. However, the arrival of a new Acting Superintendent had brought a new approach that was welcomed by staff.
Safety and security were compromised by staff shortages
Daily custodial staffing shortages impacted safety and security in a variety of ways. Besides the basic reality of having fewer staff to run the prison, shortages limited capacity to interact with prisoners and gather intelligence about risks within the prisoner group. Staff were particularly concerned about the prevalence of drugs and other contraband within the prison. Shortages contributed to a significant backlog of prison charges, which undermined the disciplinary process. They also affected staffing in the reception centre, where processes were generally good but orientation of new prisoners had become less effective.
Meaningful activity for prisoners had been more limited
Staffing shortages resulted in a more restricted daily regime. Prisoners had more limited access to recreation, industries and education. Overall, the majority of prisoners were not meaningfully occupied every day. The Acting Superintendent had driven a renewed focus on increasing prisoner access to employment and recreation. This was positive but remained a work in progress.
Provision of basic needs and rights was not consistent
Pressure from staffing shortages and prisoner population growth meant the prison was struggling to accommodate the basic needs and rights of prisoners in some areas, including adequate clothing and family contact. In contrast, and unlike many prisons, the kitchen was producing food that was viewed positively by most prisoners. Albany also found it challenging to manage some of the specific needs of certain cohorts such as Aboriginal prisoners, remand prisoners, and women prisoners.
There were gaps in health and support services
Although the nursing team provided a good primary health service, there was no access to a doctor on site and very limited access to dental services. There was also no mental health or alcohol and other drug service on site and limited psychological support. For a maximum-security prison of this size, these gaps in health and mental health resources were concerning. The health centre was undergoing much-needed refurbishment but infrastructure remained inadequate.
Missed rehabilitation and release opportunities
Prisons have experienced significant population growth without a proportionate increase in resources. This has led to delays in assessment for offender treatment programs and in many cases the delivery of programs has not been able to meet demand. This trend was reflected at Albany but certainly not restricted to Albany. We observe it at most prisons in the state. The result was more and more prisoners missing opportunities to be rehabilitated and prepared for successful reintegration after release. Because they had not addressed their offending behaviour, more prisoners were not approved for release to parole at their earliest eligibility date. Failure to release people from custody at the earliest opportunity contributed to the rise in prisoner numbers across the state.