3.11 Inmate Punishment Guidelines

When an inmate misbehaves, Correctional officers have the power to issue punishment to them to enforce peace and order within the prison. Punishment can either be: confinement in cell, solitary or extended prison time. They should only be used one at a time. Below are some general guidelines however the officer has the final discretion to make the decision on punishment depending on the situation. Other punishments, such as warnings or handcuffs may be prioritised, and only in the case that an infraction is repeated should cell confinement take place.

Minor infractions (Recommended cell confinement)

Threatening an officer
Disregarding a command
Accessing restricted areas

Moderate infractions (Recommended solitary)

Minor Infractions, if recommitted
Possession of a weapon (and refusing to surrender)
Fighting (other inmates)
Assaulting a correctional officer

Major infractions (Recommended added jail time)

Moderate Infractions, if recommitted
Fighting (other inmates) with a weapon (5m)
Assaulting a correctional officer with a weapon (10m)

When to Refer to Police

If a crime is committed in the prison and one of the following is true, the case should be referred to the police:

Where the offence involves a firearm,
Where a prisoner is able to successfully escape custody,
Where the offence is linked to wider organised criminal activity,
Where further investigation is required,
And/or where the crime is deemed too ‘severe’ to be dealt with by DOC.

Rules and Information

Miscellaneous

Standard Operating Procedures

When to Refer to Police

​When to Refer to Police

When to Refer to Police