Released 11/03/2020
A review into how a hole in the perimeter fence of the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) occurred has found that adequate security procedural requirements were in place to allow for the detection and immediate response to breaches of the fence line.
On 4 November 2019, a hole was discovered in a perimeter fence of the AMC.
A subsequent review of the incident found that the hole likely occurred one day prior to identification and that the likely cause of the delay in identification was human error.
“Full compliance with established processes would have negated the failure to detect a breach of this nature,” Corrective Services Commissioner, Mr Jon Peach said today.
“I am pleased that the review has confirmed our security procedures are appropriate. However it is disappointing that potential human error led to the delay in identification of this breach for a day,” Mr Peach said.
“The role of ACT Corrective Services staff is to uphold the safety and security of detainees and the public. It is imperative that we ensure that not only are our policies and procedures significantly robust but that they are adhered to appropriately. I am working with my staff to mitigate the potential for a recurrence of such incidents,” Mr Peach said.
Since November 2019, ACT Corrective Services has further strengthened procedures at the AMC around the requirements for correctional officers in monitoring the security of the AMC perimeter and responding to perimeter alarms.
A formal investigation is ongoing into the alleged human error, and no further comment will be provided while this investigation continues.
Minister for Corrections and Justice Health, Shane Rattenbury, said that the review provided comprehensive assurance to the community of how seriously ACT Corrective Services are working to ensure that incidents like this do not happen in the future.
“I thank Mr Peach for his leadership and approach to this incident, and his ongoing work to improve practices at the Centre,” Mr Rattenbury said.
ACT Inspector of Correctional Services Neil McAllister has been provided with the Report.
“The report is a thorough and frank review of what was a serious security incident at the AMC. I am satisfied that the AMC physical security system was sound at the time of the incident, but there were some response failings which need to be addressed,” Mr McAllister said.
“The report makes pertinent recommendations that should be adopted and actioned by ACT Corrective Services,” he said.
- Statement ends -
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