113: Inspection of West Kimberley Regional Prison

West Kimberley Regional Prison (WKRP) opened in late 2012. Built in Derby, the prison’s ethos was to have an innovative Aboriginal focus. It aimed to keep Kimberley Aboriginal people in country with family, and uphold cultural and kinship responsibilities. It also aimed to develop prisoners’ independent living skills and to improve their chances of not …

Notwithstanding the WKRP’s principle of custodial proximity to land and family, a majority of Kimberley Aboriginal prisoners, 51.5 per cent, remained in facilities in other regions of WA. Prisoners from the East Kimberley have been especially disadvantaged. Daily life The involvement of male and female peer supporters in reception added to the quality of welcome …

Modify or replace secure vehicle at WKRP so that prisoner passengers can sit in a standard position and have external views while seated, without compromising privacy. Revise medical escort security procedures to reduce use of restraints to reflect its systems of security classifications and approvals for external activities. That WKRP continue with its successful self-care …

The Department moved quickly to address many of the matters raised at conclusion of the inspection. This included actions to ensure the continued success of the prison’s self-care model by appointing a new life-skills officer, creating new prisoner positions to help, and installing bigger stoves and purchasing additional whitegoods. Training has been provided to ensure …