Nemesis
04-15-2004, 04:23 PM
By Edith Bevin
April 16, 2004
PEOPLE with criminal records will be allowed to work as prison guards, it was learnt last night.
The recommendation, which has been accepted by the Territory Government, is contained in a review of the prisons system.
The report says many indigenous people are barred from becoming prison guards because they have court convictions.
It says the director or deputy director of corrections should be given authority to recruit applicants with criminal records - "if that record is not a threat to security".
"For example, if it is for minor offences, and pro-social, law abiding behaviour has been established for a period of time," the report says.
The Government last night said only those convicted of "the most minor of offences, such as traffic offences" would be considered.
And Justice Minister Peter Toyne said the softening of the entrance criteria would apply to indigenous and non-indigenous applicants.
The decision has stunned prison guards.
"I can't believe this," one officer said.
"The whole point of the review was supposed to be about making our working conditions better and safer - instead they're inviting criminals to sign on.
"Lowering standards cannot possibly make us safer.
"And how is someone with a criminal record supposed to oversee inmates.
"There's no separation there."
Dr Toyne said while the Government had accepted the recommendations it was still negotiating with guards on the details.
He said a full list of what was considered minor offences would be drawn up.
Dr Toyne said nobody with a criminal history for violence or sexual offences would be employed in the corrections services.
Prison guards are expected to meet to discuss the report today.
Northern Territory News
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9294610%255E26462,00.html
April 16, 2004
PEOPLE with criminal records will be allowed to work as prison guards, it was learnt last night.
The recommendation, which has been accepted by the Territory Government, is contained in a review of the prisons system.
The report says many indigenous people are barred from becoming prison guards because they have court convictions.
It says the director or deputy director of corrections should be given authority to recruit applicants with criminal records - "if that record is not a threat to security".
"For example, if it is for minor offences, and pro-social, law abiding behaviour has been established for a period of time," the report says.
The Government last night said only those convicted of "the most minor of offences, such as traffic offences" would be considered.
And Justice Minister Peter Toyne said the softening of the entrance criteria would apply to indigenous and non-indigenous applicants.
The decision has stunned prison guards.
"I can't believe this," one officer said.
"The whole point of the review was supposed to be about making our working conditions better and safer - instead they're inviting criminals to sign on.
"Lowering standards cannot possibly make us safer.
"And how is someone with a criminal record supposed to oversee inmates.
"There's no separation there."
Dr Toyne said while the Government had accepted the recommendations it was still negotiating with guards on the details.
He said a full list of what was considered minor offences would be drawn up.
Dr Toyne said nobody with a criminal history for violence or sexual offences would be employed in the corrections services.
Prison guards are expected to meet to discuss the report today.
Northern Territory News
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9294610%255E26462,00.html