Background
Casuarina Prison is a maximum-security facility for male prisoners, located 35 kilometres south of Perth. Originally intended primarily for sentenced prisoners, it now also holds a large number of remand prisoners. It also provides specialist statewide services in the Special Handling Unit, Special Protection Unit, Infirmary, and Crisis Care Unit. Casuarina opened in 1991, replacing …
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Conclusion
Casuarina is facing some significant challenges in the coming years, which will require solid leadership, resourcing and planning. Fortunately, our inspection found that the senior leadership team was cohesive and effective, despite some instability arising from several individuals only acting in their roles. The current expansion of Casuarina is due to be completed in mid-2020. …
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Key Findings
Casuarina was extremely overcrowded with a population of 937 prisoners, and almost every available cell double-bunked. This made it difficult to maintain decency. A major expansion project had begun, with 512 new beds due for completion by mid-2020. The senior management team was cohesive and effective. There was no prison-specific strategic plan or business plan. …
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Recommendations
Our report made 12 recommendations as follows: Recommendation 1 Develop a strategic plan for Casuarina Prison. Recommendation 2 Take steps to ensure that transfer and appointment processes for prison officers at Casuarina Prison are merit-based. Recommendation 3 Respond to concerns about inappropriate staff behaviour by setting clear behaviour expectations and providing relevant training. Recommendation 4 …
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