Beyond the prison walls

Friday January 20 marks the first Corrections Day. 

The day will take the community beyond the prison walls to hear the stories of the men and women of the NSW correctional system who rehabilitate inmates, keep offenders accountable and aim to reduce re-offending.

Correctional Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said staff face a tough and often dangerous job each day.

“Corrections Day is an opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution of front-line staff, who supervise offenders and keep our community safe,” he said.

“Custodial officers respond to more than 60 incidents each day across the state, such as contraband finds, assaults, medical issues and often unpredictable scenarios.

“Our officers’ efforts mostly go unnoticed by the community, because the work they do is behind the walls of prisons or the doors of community corrections offices.

“Our staff undertake a wide-range of jobs, from delivering programs that rehabilitate offenders, to providing work skills that inmates can use post-release, and managing offenders’ case plans that help address their behaviour,” Mr Severin said.

Minister for Corrections David Elliott said correctional officers face situations that are similar to many other front-line officers, such as police and ambulance officers.

“Prison staff respond to fires in cells, break-up fights between inmates, as well as help address mental health and behavioural issues,” Mr Elliott said.

“They experience things that many of us will never see in a lifetime, but they act efficiently and professionally.

“Overseers who run industry and trade courses, as well as programs staff help with the inmate’s rehabilitation by providing guidance and skills that help turn their lives around.

“On the outside, community corrections officers supervise offenders on parole and other community-based orders to help reintegrate them back into the community.”