Map of Development at Banksia Hill Detention Centre

Background

On the evening of Sunday 20 January 2013, an extremely serious incident of mass disorder occurred at Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre (‘Banksia Hill’), a facility managed by the Department of Corrective Services (‘the Department’). On 24 January the Minister for Corrective Services directed the Inspector of Custodial Services to carry out a full investigation. …

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Image of Management Fence surrounding Urquhart Unit at Banksia Hill

Conclusion

The site layout generally reflects the design principles articulated in the Operational and Functional Briefs prepared for the Banksia Hill facility and dated May 1995. With the benefit of hindsight, more robust physical cell infrastructure, for example, adding external security mesh to windows and strengthening internal fittings, together with improved climate control, might have limited …

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Image of grilles against cell window at Banksia Hill

Key Findings

Contemporary detention centres developed around ‘campus style’ concepts which, by their very nature, introduce environmental factors which can pose security risks. For example: preference for single level domestic scale buildings introduction of accessible, cultivated and naturally landscaped terrain greater distances for movement of people and services opportunities for visitors including community groups to access parts …

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Image of Residential Unit at Banksia Hill

Recommendations

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 2 The conditions of detention at Banksia Hill should be enhanced so as to meet improved standards of decency …

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