NSW: Opp calls for judicial inquiry into state s prison system

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2000
NSW: Opp calls for judicial inquiry into state s prison system

SYDNEY, Aug 21 AAP - The New South Wales government has been urged to launch a judicial
inquiry into allegations of rampant drug dealing and assaults within the state's prison
system.

The call followed the suspension of two Sydney prison guards and the charging of another
for allegedly bashing inmates.

One Silverwater Correctional Centre guard was charged on Wednesday with two counts
of assault occasioning actual bodily harm while another guard is expected to be charged
shortly.

State Opposition corrective services spokesman Andrew Humpherson said a public inquiry
was needed to determine the validity of allegations against staff that were emerging from
within the jail system.

Among the most serious were of drug trafficking by prison officers, he said.

Mr Humpherson said drugs were so rampant in jails that several - including Parramatta,
Emu Plains and Cessnock - had drug-free wings for prisoners wanting to avoid being tempted.

He said the inquiry would also investigate claims raised earlier this month that students
at the Corrective Services Academy in Sydney were being passed without regard to their
performance.

"These claims at Silverwater are only the tip of the iceberg," he told reporters.

"We want to see an inquiry into all elements and accusations of drug trafficking by
officers, selling drugs to inmates, providing drugs to inmates.

"We particularly want an inquiry into how the academy operates and passes students."

A Corrective Services Department spokeswoman said there was no indication that more
than a few officers were involved in the prisoner bashings.

She said the incidents did not warrant a judicial inquiry.

"The allegations are extremely serious and are being examined by the department," she said.

"It is a handful of unprofessional guards that are letting down other professional staff.

"Assaults in prisons by staff are actually falling."

Corrective Services Commissioner Dr Leo Keliher said action taken against the two officers
was proof that violence towards inmates would not be tolerated in the prison system.

"Allegations were made about two officers using undue force against inmates in separate
incidents," he said in a statement.

"These allegations were treated extremely seriously; both officers have been suspended
from duty and one has already been charged by police."

Dr Keliher said today's officers were generally disciplined.

AAP ls/jw/hu/de

KEYWORD: SILVERWATER NIGHTLEAD

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