There were no recommendations in the review paper as all recommendations were contained in the Inspector’s Directed Review. Recommendations relating to the contents of this review paper in the Inspector’s Directed Review are as follows:

Recommendation 12

In order to improve emergency management preparedness the Department should:

(a) ensure that emergency management plans at all adult and juvenile facilities are regularly reviewed, fully up to date, and include viable emergency evacuation plans; and

(b) Improve staff training in emergency management and keep clear records of the findings and recommendations arising from scenario training and reviews of critical incidents.

Recommendation 13

The Department should examine and implement improvements to its systems and processes for conducting safety and welfare checks of detainees and prisoners in the event of incidents of mass disorder such as that which occurred at Banksia Hill on 20 January 2013.

Recommendation 14

In order to improve its emergency management responses the Department should:

(a) Further develop its protocols regarding the roles of the on-site Superintendent and the Emergency Support Group (ESG) Superintendent, especially in situations involving a whole-of-site incident;

(b) Evaluate the resources needed by the ESG to improve response times at weekends and evenings; and

(c) In consultation with WA Police, evaluate the opportunities for improved site navigation capacity during emergency situations.

Recommendation 15

Staff generally, and the Primary Response Team (PRT) in particular, should be provided with better training for responding to unfolding incidents and de-escalation techniques. This should occur in the context of more general training in dynamic and procedural security (see Recommendation 6). The PRT should not be equipped with weapons such as batons, pepper spray and Tasers.

Recommendation 16

The Department should examine the lessons to be learned from events in the youth custodial system since 20 January 2013 with respect to recovery from emergencies. In particular, it should ensure that debriefs are organised for all staff and that longer term strategies are implemented to rebuild staff confidence and resilience.

Page last updated: April 4, 2014