Recommendations

1. Reduce the number of prisoners subjected to levels of security which are unnecessary given their assessed security rating.
2. Increase access to meaningful employment, education and skill development programs across all correctional facilities.
3. Develop a broad corrections mental health management strategy, which includes staff training; day care and wing-based treatment services; and prison diversion options for people with serious mental health issues and intellectual impairment.
4. Ensure workforce planning indentifies and maintains an appropriate ratio of male and female prison officers, and prison rosters reflect this mix.
5. Develop a targeted approach to improving staff conflict resolution skills.
6. Revise Policy Directive 41 to remove remaining ambiguity from the classification of staff assault.
7. Improve record keeping practices, incorporating:
   1. Quarterly reviews to identify incomplete incident reports
   2. Effective quality assurance practices
   3. Enhanced performance development for report writing when needed
8. Formalise the review of all staff assaults, including documenting triggers for the assault and the consequences (DCS and other) applied to the prisoner.
9. Reduce the number of prisoners subjected to levels of security which are unnecessary given their assessed security rating.

Assaults on staff – Responses to recommendations