Prisons, Visiting Inspector Program

In reply to Mr KNOLL (Schubert) (28 July 2017). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health, Minister Assisting the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse): I am advised:

The Visiting Inspector Program provides for the inspection of South Australia's correctional institutions in accordance with the requirements set down in the Correctional Services Act 1982. Visiting Inspectors are independent and are appointed by the Governor. Visiting Inspectors regularly visit prison sites to monitor daily operations, speak directly with prisoners and receive and investigate complaints.

The Department for Correctional Services currently has 25 Visiting Inspectors who attend and inspect each of South Australia's eight prisons on a weekly basis. At minimum, this means that there are over 400 inspections conducted per year.