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Prisons and detention centres

Finding, contacting and visiting prisoners.

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Prisoner's rights

The rights of prisoners held in Queensland jails.

Prison locations

Location and contact details for Queensland’s correctional centres.

Daily life in prison

Daily life in prison, including, visitors, education, employment, clothing, and mail and telephone access.

Leaving prison

Information to help people who are leaving prison find employment, housing, money and support.

Prison work program

Low-risk prisoners can perform community work in regional areas, such as mowing lawns and maintaining community infrastructure, which benefit the wider community.

Youth detention

Information about Youth Detention Centres, including what happens in a detention centre and your rights.

Dog squad units across Queensland work in all secure correctional centres helping to keep our centres drug free. Our drug detection dogs play a crucial role in barrier detection at each centre.

Careers in custodial operations

Provides information on the role of a custodial correctional officer within a Queensland prison and how to apply.

ANZAC Day public holiday office closures and service changes

Please be advised the Legal Aid Queensland information lines will be closed on Thursday 25 April for the public holiday. The Information lines will reopen on Friday 26 April. We apologise for any inconvenience.

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Queensland corrections & prisoner location

Community Legal Center Christmas closures (PDF, 111KB) - closing and reopening dates and times.

Locating a prisoner 

To find a prisoner in Queensland use the Search for prisoners tool . The information is updated every 24 hours.

Probation and parole

Search here for full details of probation, parole and reporting office locations in Queensland.

Adult correctional centres

Use the Prison locations search tool to find address, contact and visitation information for Queensland correctional centres:

• Arthur Gorrie  
• Borallon Training & Correctional Centre  
• Brisbane Correctional Centre  
• Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre  
• Capricornia Correctional Centre  
• Helana Jones Centre  
• Lotus Glen Correctional Centre  
• Maryborough Correctional Centre  
• Numinbah Correctional Centre  
• Palen Creek Correctional Centre  
• Southern Queensland Correctional Centre  
• Townsville Men’s Correctional Centre  
• Townsville Women's Correctional Centre  
• Wolston Correctional Centre  
• Woodford Correctional Centre.  

Contact Details

Last updated 18 August 2023

Transport and Support for Families of Prisoners

Prison transport group inc., transport services.

PTG provides FREE transport to 10 Correctional Centres. You can rely on us to treat you with respect and to provide services on time. Please read our Client Charter. We transport to the following Centres. Bookings are required for all our transport services.

Personal Visits and Virtual visits: You are entitled to have a personal visit if you want one. Please contact us for advice if you are told you will only get a virtual visit if you want a personal visit . We will help you to get a personal visit. 

Wacol Precinct   Our transport service for the Wacol Centres listed below operates from Wacol rail station only. The 4 Centres are located within a 4 klm radius of each other. Bookings are required for this service. 

• Arthur Gorrie
• Brisbane Women’s

Other Centres we provide transport to:

• Woodford Correctional Centre – Monday,  Friday, Saturday, Sunday – afternoon visit only. Visit session we service is the 1.00pm to 2.00pm visit.
• Numinbah Correctional Centre – Sunday
• Palen Ck Correctional Centre  – Saturday
• Southern Qld Correctional Centre – Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
• Borallon Training and Correctional Centre – Saturday.Sunday

Central Queensland

• Capricornia Correctional Centre:  We provide a bus service on Saturday and Sunday if we have bookings.

Prison Transport Group Incorporated is an Operator Accredited Transport service. We have a long history of transporting family members and friends to visit sessions. We welcome you to our service. Please view our Client Charter. Our services are well run and our buses are in tip top condition. All persons who use our services are treated with respect and you are required to treat our driver and other passengers with respect. We will get you to your visit in safety and comfort. We provide transport to 10 Centres in Qld.

Prison Transport Group is able to provide direct assistance to passengers who require mobility assistance. Contact our office for more details or send an email if you prefer.

If you are using public transport to meet up with the PTG service, you should plan your journey by checking the TransLink website. Rail line work is very common and may delay you considerably. Plan your journey.  You must arrive at our pick up point 15 minutes before our bus is due to depart. We have several pick up points. We need to get our passengers to the Centres on time so they do not miss their visit time. There can be many interruptions to the public transport system such as rail track closures etc. Please plan ahead and check the Translink site. We expect all our passengers to treat each other with respect, including the driver.  We understand that for long trips with us you and your children may need to eat on the bus. Please ensure you take your rubbish with you when you leave the bus. No hot drinks allowed on the bus.

When we are on Correctional Property our buses and passengers on board are subject to random drug checks at Correctional Centres. These checks may involve the police, corrective service officers and drug detection dogs. Please dress conservatively – no shoe string tops, ripped clothing, thongs etc. You may be denied a visit if your clothing is deemed not appropriate by Centre staff

We do not charge a fare for our transport service. You can donate by funds transfer to our bank account. See donation tab . Thank you!

Helpful Links

• Bars Between
• Centacare Post Release Service
• Court Network Support
• Crime Stoppers
• Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services
• Department of Social Services
• Kairos Prison Ministry
• Legal Aid QLD
• Pregnancy Counselling Link
• Prison Fellowship Australia
• Prisoners' Legal Service
• Queensland Corrective Services
• Sisters Inside Inc
• St Vincent de Paul Society QLD
• The Smith Family

Queensland Programs

Please see all available programs below, and click on their titles to visit the corresponding websites for more information.

View all States and Territories here.

Prison Fellowship’s dedicated team of volunteers and chaplains are visiting and coming alongside those in prison.

Across Australia there are hundreds of volunteer men and women visiting prisoners, running programs in prisons, playing sports, running in-prison Bible studies, and providing many other services.

Our in prison teams provide consolation and encouragement, as well as spiritual and emotional support, helping prisoners begin the journey of transformation. Regular visits with a volunteer or chaplain help prisoners to form a positive worldview and discover their true identity, intrinsic value, and worth.

Our skilled and compassionate chaplains provide much-needed pastoral care within the prison system to prisoners from all walks of life: Irrespective of their condition, religious background, social position, beliefs, ethnicity or crime.

Walking alongside prisoners who may have no one else to visit them

Consistent, regular communication and mentoring

An understanding, non-judgemental presence in the prison

‘God works all things together for the good of those who love Him’ – How Romans 8 sparked a fire in Sherrie’s heart 

Do you believe in miracles? Jasmine’s journey from drug addiction to hope in Christ 

From Convicted Criminal to Criminal Lawyer

Testimonials, stay connected with us, get email updates to learn how we’re helping prisoners and their families, and how you can get involved..

We value your privacy

• OUR POLICIES

Statement about crime Prison Fellowship Australia acknowledges those affected by crime, both directly and indirectly. We never condone any criminal activity, while remaining committed to walking alongside prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims. We share stories of their journey towards wholeness, to highlight God’s goodness and His desire for reconciliation with both Himself and others.

• 2023 Prison Fellowship Australia
• ABN: 85 005 883 161

Prisoners' Legal Service

PLS is an independent, not-for-profit community legal centre dedicated to helping people in prison.

How we can help

We provide legal advice, information and assistance to Queensland prisoners on matters arising from incarceration.

As a small organisation, we rely heavily on our volunteers and our generous supporters.

Our vision for reconciliation

With guidance from the PLS Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, PLS has developed a Reconciliation Action Plan to support the continuous improvement of the cultural capabilities of our staff and volunteers.

Prisoners’ Legal Service (PLS) recognises the unique and important position of Australia’s First Peoples. PLS pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Islander people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and acknowledges Elders past, present and emerging. PLS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are complex and diverse and recognises the vital contribution their traditions and cultures have made and will continue to make to this country.

Our vision for reconciliation is to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the same human and legal rights as the broader population of Australia and equality before the law at all stages of the legal process.

PLS envisages a future where all Australians recognise and benefit from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures. We believe it is important to make the broader Australian population aware of the power imbalance between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all other Australians so that everyone works together to redress this imbalance.

If you seek further information about the PLS Reconciliation Action Plan, please contact us at  [email protected]  and attention your email to the PLS Director.

PLS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded in Australia.

PHONE:  07 3846 5074

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What Happens When Going to Jail for the First Time?

Are you going to jail for the first time in Australia? Here’s everything you need to know.   

This article is for general information only and should not be relied on for specific legal advice. The author will not be held responsible for any action that a person takes as a result of the interpretation of the contents of this article. It is important to seek specific advice from a qualified and experienced lawyer for any legal problem.    

If you are convicted of a serious offence, you may be sentenced to jail for a period of time. If you are sentenced to jail by the court then you will be immediately taken into custody. You will generally not have time to say goodbye to friends and loved ones and give them a hug. You will be immediately taken into custody by either the Queensland Police Service Officers or Corrective Services Officers depending on the location.    

If you think that you are going to be sentenced to jail then it is a good idea to have the following on you before you go to court;  

• A list of all the names and telephone numbers of Family, Friends and your lawyer;  
• Cash (you cannot take any more than $1,000.00 into a correctional facility);  
• Any medication that you are required to take.    

DO NOT have anything on you that would be illegal i.e., drugs, weapons as you will be charged with these offences. You cannot smoke in a watchhouse or a jail so don’t take cigarettes or tobacco with you.    

You will be taken to the nearest watchhouse. Some watchhouses are attached to the courts. When you arrive at the watchhouse you will be processed by the officers. You will be strip-searched and all property will be removed from you. If you have a mobile phone with you then that will be taken and switched off. You will then be formally identified, photographed, fingerprinted and entered into the custody records. A risk assessment will be conducted as to whether or not you are a risk of self-harm or harm to any other person. A health check will be conducted and any medication will be assessed by the watchhouse nurse.    

You will then be placed in a cell, usually with other prisoners. The watchhouse cell is very basic and you will only have access to a bed, a toilet and a TV and you will be provided with meals and any medication that you are required to take.    

A prisoner will remain at a watchhouse until a vacancy becomes available at the nearest remand centre. This period of time will vary but could be as little as 24 hours or as long as 2 weeks.    

If you are sentenced from a court in South East Queensland then you will be taken to the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Center in Wacol, Brisbane. If you are sentenced by a regional court then you will be taken to your nearest jail.   

Locations of Queensland Jails  

What happens if you are sentenced to jail  .

You will be transported from the watchhouse to the jail in a secure vehicle by either Queensland Police or Queensland Corrective Services officers. When you initially arrive you will be processed by the jail staff who will confirm your identity and formally admit you to the jail.    

Your property will be taken from you and you will again be strip-searched and given a medical examination. You will be allowed to take a shower and you will be issued with prison clothes (green in colour) – this is the standard prisoner ‘uniform’. You will then be interviewed by a counsellor and allowed to make a phone call. You will then be assessed for security classification (i.e., if you are a high-risk prisoner) and then allocated a cell.    

You will then participate in an induction where you will learn about how the prison works and its rules. You will be shown what is required of you and the expectations of the jail. You may be reclassified and re-assessed at any time at the discretion of the jail. You may be relocated to another prison if required at any time.    

What Happens Once You Are Sentenced to Prison  

Day-to-day life as a prisoner is highly structured and based on a strict routine. There is the requirement for regular musters and head counts and assignment of tasks for the day. The vast majority of the time however is described as boring which is why many prisoners take up exercise or seek employment in the jail if they can.    

Standard Prison Cells  

In most prisons in Queensland, there are single cells that house one prisoner. In times of accommodation shortages, however, the cells may house two prisoners with a portable bed. In each cell, there is a bed, a shower and a toilet.  Each prisoner is responsible for their own cell and they are responsible for keeping it neat and tidy at all times. A prisoner will generally be able to keep their own personal effects in their cell including letters, photos, books and stationery, sometimes a television, a radio, a bible or religious writings, and educational items. Prisoners will spend long periods of time in their cells but will be allowed to move throughout the prison at meal times, for exercise, visits by family and friends and their lawyer, and also for medical appointments. If the prisoner has a job, then they will be permitted to move within the jail for their employment.     

The cells are searched from time to time and any prohibited items (“contraband”) will be seized.  These items include drugs, weapons, mobile phones and any other items that are not permitted, and which pose a threat to the security of the jail. If a prisoner has prohibited items in their cell, they could be charged with a criminal offence and/or punished by the jail.  This could include the transfer to another cell, transfer to another jail, isolation from other prisoners, removal of rights including visits and removal from employment privileges.    

Jail Clothes

You have to wear prison-issued clothes at all times however you may be allowed to wear your own clothes (i.e., suit) to court if you wish.    

Employment  

There is no obligation for a prisoner to work whilst they are in jail, however most people choose to   

work if they are given the opportunity.  Prisoners generally choose to work so that they can earn some money which will be added to their prison account, and also to give them something to do to prevent the boredom.    

Work can be sourced to assist with the day to day running of the prison such as in the kitchen, cleaning or laundry. There may be other jobs available from time to time in industries such as maintenance, metal, leather and woodworking. A prisoner will receive payment based on a rate determined by the jail. This is not the same as the minimum wage and prisoners are not covered by industrial relation entitlements.    

If a prisoner is employed whilst they are in jail then this will reflect well on any later applications for parole. If a prisoner wants to work but there is nothing available then they may be entitled to a small unemployment payment.     

A prisoner may also be engaged in unpaid employment if they are part of a training program or vocational program. This is good for gaining skills in areas that they might be able to use when they are released.    

In addition, there are educational, rehabilitation and other interest courses conducted from time to time in the prison system. There is also generally access to a library for educational and research purposes.    

Medical Needs  

Prisoners have the right to access medical and health facilities whilst they are in jail. These facilities are however extremely limited and the right to Medicare is lost whilst in jail. Generally speaking, over the counter medication such as Panadol is not available. Each prisoner will be given a health check when being admitted into the jail and there is access to a doctor whilst in jail if required. The responsibility of health within the jail is the responsibility of the Department of Corrective Services and the Health Department.    

There is a general complaint that there is poor access to medical treatment whilst in jail. This includes both physical health and also mental health. There is generally poor access to counsellors and psychologists. If the complaint is non-life-threatening then it can take a number of days or even weeks for the prisoner to see a doctor. Generally, prescription medication is crushed and given to the prisoner to take under the supervision of a nurse. This is to prevent the trafficking of drugs within the jail.    

A prisoner must comply with any reasonable direction given to them by prison doctors. This can include the requirement for blood and urine samples and also for body cavity searches. If the prisoner fails to comply with the direction, then force may be used.    

Purchasing Items in Jail  

A prisoner will have an account in which they have money and will be allowed to purchase personal items. The maximum amount of money that can be held in the account is $1,000.00 and deposits can be made by family and friends. You will be allowed to purchase food items from the canteen and personal items for recreation such as art and hobby items allowed by the jail. You can purchase personal items such as underwear and shoes and you may be able to rent a television from the jail. If you wish to send letters then you can purchase stamps from your account. You can pay a victim of crime levies from this account or you may be required to pay for any prison items that you intentionally destroy or damage.    

Phone Calls  

No prisoner is able to receive telephone calls unless there are exceptional circumstances and permitted by the jail. A prisoner however is able to received pre-booked telephone calls from their lawyer.    

A prisoner is able to make calls to locations outside of the jail through the Arunta telephone system. To make calls, the prisoner will need to open a telephone account and nominate the phone numbers that they wish to call. They will need to nominate the name and address of the person that they wish to maintain contact with.    

The prisoner is able to have up to $300.00 on their telephone account at any one time.  The prisoner is responsible for the cost of each of the calls they make. Prisoners will not be permitted to telephone banned persons, ex-prisoners, or businesses.    

Prison staff are able to make enquiries about the person that the prisoner wishes to speak with. The telephone calls are recorded and monitored.    

There is no limit to the number of letters that you send or receive from the jail. You will have to pay for any stamps from your account. Jail staff have the power to open and review all correspondence and packages that are coming into or going out of the jail. The prison has the power to seize any items of correspondence that pose a risk to the security or good management of the jail or would otherwise amount to an offence.    

Visiting a Prisoner in a jail  

A prisoner is entitled to receive visits from people that are not in custody. A prisoner is entitled to one non-contact visit per week from family and friends. A prisoner is also entitled to visits from their lawyer as required. In order to visit a prisoner, a person must make an application to the jail which will need to be approved. A person will be approved if it is appropriate in the circumstances taking into account the safety and security of the prison. Contact visits are approved with visitors once they have passed a security clearance which generally takes about 6 – 8 weeks.    

Visitors will be screened and sometimes searched when they enter the correctional facility. If they refuse to be searched then they will not be able to enter the jail for the visit. If the prison officials reasonably suspect that the person is in possession of drugs or weapons then they can call the police for them to investigate.    

Prison Visitor Application Process  

Before you can visit someone in jail you must complete an application form (Form 27) .    

You will need to complete the form, provide identification and declare whether or not you have any criminal convictions. Once you are approved then you will need to take identification with you to the visit. Most facilities require you to provide an electronic fingerprint sample to allow you to gain access to the jail on each visit. The biometrics sample will be checked each time you visit by you placing your finger on an electronic reader to allow you to gain access to the jail. You cannot just turn up at the jail, you will have to make a booking in advance each time you want to visit.    

You must arrive at your visit early otherwise you might be prohibited from entering. You cannot smoke or take any tobacco products into the jail.     

What Can a Visitor Bring Jail?  

You cannot bring anything to the prisoner in a jail. You cannot give them any money or bring them any items such as mobile phones. Smuggling drugs into a centre is a very serious criminal offence and if you are detected then the matter will be referred to the police. You cannot bring any money, documents or any other personal items with you to your visit. You can bring socks and underwear and court clothes if you wish. You will however need permission from the jail before you can bring them.    

You are able to mail other items to the prisoner such as letters, cards, and photos. Remember that all items in the post will be scanned and searched.  

Remember also that you are able to deposit money into the prisoner’s account. You cannot bring cash with you to actually give to the prisoner.    

What Can a Visitor Wear to Prison?  

You should familiarise yourself with what you can and can’t wear BEFORE you leave home to go to the visit. There are very strict rules about what you can wear and if you don’t comply with these rules then you may be refused entry. You cannot wear anything that is in poor condition, revealing or provocative in nature. You must have closed shoes and cannot wear thongs. You cannot wear singlets or any shirts without sleeves. You are able to wear your wedding or engagement ring but you cannot wear any other jewellery during the visit.    

How Long Is the Visit?  

The prisoner will be allowed 2 hours of visiting time for family and friends per week (this does NOT include time with lawyers or official visits). So, the prisoner can have two visits of one hour duration each or one visit of 2 hours.    

Can Children Visit a Prisoner?  

Yes, children can visit a prisoner. However, it must be established that there is a relationship between the child AND it is in the best interests of the child to visit the prisoner. An application form must be completed to allow a child entry into jail and approval must be given first before a child can visit a prisoner.    

Consequences of Breaches of Prison Discipline  

Jail is a highly regulated and controlled environment and breaches of discipline are dealt with seriously. The prison guards and officials have the power to give reasonable directions to prisoners.  If the prisoner refuses to obey that direction, then they will be punished. Officers are able to use force if required to maintain good order within the prison. In extreme circumstances (i.e., an escape), officers have the power to use lethal force if required.    

If an officer suspects that there has been a breach of discipline then they will conduct an investigation. Their conclusions can be reviewed if the prisoner is not satisfied with the outcome. The consequences of a breach can include; removal of privileges, moving to another unit within the jail, removal to another jail, and possibly more criminal charges. The punishment will be dependent on the breach and also the record of the prisoner. The incident may be viewed as a one off and isolated incident or it could be viewed as a pattern of behaviour.    

Breaches of discipline can include;  

• Disobeying a lawful direction from an officer;  
• Possessing or concealing a prohibited item;  
• Fighting;  
• Consuming drugs or alcohol;  
• Gambling;  
• Bad behaviour;  
• Criminal offences (i.e., assault, rape)  

Applying for Parole  

If you are sentenced to a period of imprisonment by a court of three years or less then you will receive court-ordered parole. That is, the court will tell you when you will be released from jail. If, however, you receive a jail sentence of more than 3 years then you will receive a parole eligibility date. That is a date when you are eligible to apply for parole. If you are declared a Serious Violent Offender then you will have to serve at least 80% of your sentence.    

Parole is the release of a prisoner into the community under certain conditions. The jail sentence will still apply but the sentence is served in the community under the supervision of a parole officer and not in jail. The prisoner must apply to the Parole Board to be released on parole.    

If you are released on parole then you will be subject to strict supervision by a parole officer. This will include the checking of your accommodation, regular visits and interviews with the officer, drug and alcohol screening, and the requirement to attend courses and appointments with professionals such as counsellors and psychologists. You will not be allowed to leave the state of Queensland whilst you are subject to parole unless you receive prior written consent from your parole officer.    

Speak to A Criminal Lawyer Today

Whether you’re seeking more information on what to expect or require expert legal representation to mitigate the outcomes, we’re here to help. At Brooke Winter Solicitors, our team of criminal lawyers is dedicated to providing you with the support, guidance, and the legal representation you need. Contact us today.

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Searching of Prisoners

Last updated 2 September 2019

There are five types of searches:

• scanning search
• general search
• personal search (pat search over clothing avoiding genital and breast areas)
• accommodation search (including possessions)
• strip search.

A scanning, general, personal or accommodation search can be ordered by the general manager or an officer if they suspect a person has something that risks security and good order of the prison. This very broad power cannot be exercised for an improper purpose such as punishment or sexual harassment. The general search power includes the power to search anything in the possession of a person in prison.

The chief executive of Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) is authorised to issue directions to a corrective services officer in relation to strip searching, including the times and/or manner in which prisoners are to be strip searched. The general manager must order strip searches in accordance with the directions. These directions differ depending on security classification of the person in prison and the prison itself.

Prisoners are strip searched upon entering and leaving a prison, irrespective of the purpose. For example, a person will be strip searched upon returning from court, from hospital treatment or upon being transferred from another prison. People who are considered to be at risk of self-harm or suicide are also strip searched, a procedure that many prisoners in crisis perceive as punishment and find extremely stressful in circumstances where they are already having difficulty coping with the prison environment. Incarcerated people are also strip searched before and after contact visits with friends and family, and before a drug test.

In addition to these directions, the general manager may order a strip search to be conducted if they consider that it is necessary for the security and good order of the facility or necessary for the safe custody and welfare of prisoners at the facility. The discretion to require such a search must be exercised lawfully and may be subject to scrutiny by the ombudsman’s office or by judicial review.

A strip search can only be carried out by an officer of the same gender as the prisoner and must be conducted by at least two officers. The Corrective Services Act 2006 (Qld) (Corrective Services Act) also provides that officers must ensure that the way in which the person is searched causes minimal embarrassment, and it must carried out as quickly as possible and allow them to dress as soon as the search is finished.

People in prison must be given the opportunity to remain partly clothed during the search by being allowed to dress the upper half of the body before removing clothing from the lower half (or vice versa) if it is reasonably practicable (s 38 Corrective Services Act ).

A prisoner cannot be ordered to undress in the presence or view of a person of the opposite sex, unless that person is a doctor carrying out a medical examination or body search, or someone acting under the direction of a doctor.

All strip searches must be recorded in a register, with details of the persons present and details of anything seized during the search (s 40 Corrective Services Act ).

Strip searching may be traumatic for many people and may re-traumatise those who have been victims of sexual assault. Research indicates that an overwhelming majority of women in prison have been victims of sexual assault. The availability of sophisticated technology, which can detect drugs and metal objects without the need for prisoners to remove clothing, is already in use in prisons. This raises questions about the need for mandatory strip search requirements.

Complaints about the manner in which strip searches are carried out may be referred to the Ethical Standards Unit of QCS  or the Queensland Ombudsman . For legal advice or assistance, the matter may be referred to Prisoners’ Legal Service .

Internal body cavity searches

Internal body cavity searches can only be carried out by a doctor acting on the authority of the general manager (s 39 Corrective Services Act ). In order for an internal search to be lawful, the general manager must reasonably believe that the prisoner has:

• ingested something that may jeopardise their health
• a prohibited thing concealed in their body which poses a risk to the security or good order of the prison
• concealed evidence of the commission of an offence or a breach of discipline by the prisoner.

A nurse must be present during the search, and if the doctor is not the same sex as the prisoner then the nurse must be.

A register must be kept of every body search, with details of anything seized from the prisoner (s 40 Corrective Services Act ).

Blood, urine and other body samples

Information on substance testing can be found on the QCS website. The QCS has wide powers under the Corrective Services Act to require test samples of blood, breath, hair or saliva to be taken from prisoners. Breath and urine samples may be collected by prison officers, but only a doctor or a nurse may take a blood, saliva or hair sample. Reasonable force may be used to enable the doctor or nurse to take the sample (s 42 Corrective Services Act ).

The most common samples taken in Queensland prisons are urine samples, which are used to detect the presence of prohibited drugs. People in prison may be required to submit to either random testing or a targeted test. The consequences for a positive test are the same for both random and targeted testing.

Testing procedures will first be conducted by on-the-spot testing kits, but must be confirmed by laboratory testing. Before testing, people in prison will undergo a strip search and be allowed to get dressed before the test. The test must be done by two prison officers and an officer in sight of the prisoner must be of the same gender.

Officers should adhere to departmental procedures when collecting samples. The procedures are subject to variation from time to time but may be found on the QCS website. If an officer fails to follow the procedure, and there is a risk that the sample may be contaminated or wrongly identified, any breach incurred by the prisoner as a result should be set aside. Disputes about procedure may be referred to the ombudsman’s office or the Prisoners’ Legal Service.

If a sample tests positive for a prohibited substance, there may be a resulting criminal charge or breach of prison discipline together with consequences for the person’s progress through the prison system. A prisoner cannot incur a breach of discipline where they have been charged and either convicted or acquitted of a criminal offence for the same conduct. A positive result may be referred to the Commissioner of Police to determine whether they intend to prosecute the matter. If police do not intend to prosecute the matter, it will be referred back to the general manager of the prison, and breach proceedings may then be brought against the prisoner.

Recorded drug use in prison will almost certainly impact on decisions about security classification, progression to low security and chances of getting parole. For example, for men in prison, it is not possible to get a transfer to a prison farm (low security facility) within three months of a positive drug test.

If a person is unable to supply a sample without a reasonable excuse (one hour is usually allowed to produce a urine sample), the consequences are the same as for a positive drug test.

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Queensland Corrective Services forms

Form 1 - authority to admit sentenced person to a corrective services facility doc, form 2 - application by prisoner to have child accommodated in a corrective services facility doc, form 3 - notice of intent to marry doc, form 4 - application to change name doc, form 5 - safety order doc, form 5a - temporary safety order doc, form 5b - consecutive safety order doc, form 7 - maximum security order doc, form 7a - order for amendment/repeal of a maximum security order doc, form 8 - order for amendment / cancellation of maximum security order doc, form 9 - order for transfer of a prisoner doc, form 10 - instrument ordering chief executive to produce prisoner doc, form 11 - order for transfer of prisoner to attend court doc, form 12 - application for removal of a prisoner from a corrective services facility for law enforcement purposes doc, form 12a - approval for removal of a prisoner from a corrective services facility for law enforcement purposes doc, form 13 - work order doc, form 14 - order for amendment / repeal of work order doc, form 15 - instrument extending grant of work order doc, form 15a - notice of amendment of instrument extending grant of work order doc, form 16 - leave of absence doc, form 17 - notice to prisoner of amendment / suspension / cancellation of leave of absence order doc, form 18 - interstate leave permit doc, form 19 - amendment / cancellation of interstate leave permit doc, form 21 - discharge order doc, form 22 - warrant by authorised person for arrest of prisoner unlawfully at large or absent doc, form 23 - breach of discipline docx, form 24 - separate confinement order doc, form 25 - receipt for seized property doc, form 26 - notice of forfeit of seized thing doc, form 27 - approval for access to a corrective services facility and visit a prisoner (personal visitor) docx, form 27a - application to visit - professional, official or other business purposes doc, form 28 - application by prisoner for exceptional circumstances parole order doc, form 29 - application by prisoner for parole order doc, form 31 - court ordered parole order doc, form 32 - exceptional circumstances parole order doc, form 33 - parole order doc, form 34 - permit to leave and remain out of queensland doc, form 34a - permit to leave and remain out of queensland pending interstate transfer upon release (board ordered parole) doc, form 35 - permit for prisoner on parole to travel overseas for exceptional purposes doc, form 37 - warrant by chief executive for arrest and conveyance of prisoner to prison doc, form 38 - order by board for amendment / suspension / cancellation of parole order doc, form 39 - warrant by board for arrest and conveyance of prisoner to prison doc, form 40 - resettlement leave program doc, form 41 - information notice doc, form 42 - order by queensland parole board for prisoner to serve part of unexpired portion of period of imprisonment doc, form 43 - application by prisoner for review of regional parole board refusal doc, form 44 - declaration of an emergency doc, form 45 - mutual assistance approval doc, form 46 - certification of a dog as a corrective services dog doc, form 47 - instrument of appointment of inspector doc, form 48 - authorisation of volunteer doc, form 49 - application to register with the queensland corrective services victims register pdf, form 50 - request by court for pre-sentence report doc, form 51 - leave to appear or be represented by an agent before a parole board doc.

State of imprisonment: out one day, back the next in Queensland

Lecturer in Criminology, The University of Queensland

Senior Lecturer, Criminology Head of Discipline, The University of Queensland

Disclosure statement

Robin Fitzgerald receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Institute of Criminology.

Adrian Cherney receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Institute of Criminology.

University of Queensland provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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This article is part of The Conversation’s series, State of Imprisonment , which provides snapshots of imprisonment trends in each state and territory. The intention is to provide a basis for informed public discussion of imprisonment policies and of the costs and consequences for Australia of rising rates of incarceration.

Queensland’s rate of imprisonment has recently undergone a reversal, following several years of what appeared to be a declining trend. Contrary to other states and territories, from 2002 to 2012 the rate of imprisonment in Queensland dropped by 6% from 168 to 159 prisoners per 100,000 adults. In 2013 this trend reversed and by 2014 the rate had reached 193 prisoners per 100,000 , a 21% increase over the 2002 figure.

In addition, over this period Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) has increasingly accommodated prisoners in high-security rather than low-security prisons. In 2013, capacity in high-security facilities was at 93% compared to 63% in low-security facilities.

The increase in prisoner numbers and greater use of high-security facilities might seem to indicate that Queensland has recently become more punitive, with tougher and longer sentences. However, evidence suggests at least part of the rise in prison numbers may be due to the greater proportion of offenders who return to prison either following or during a period of supervision in the community.

For several years, Queensland has led other states and territories in these kinds of returns to prison. For example, the 2014 Report on Government Services showed that the state’s rate of returns to prisons was 34.1% compared to the Australian average 24.8%. Queensland’s rate of return was nearly nine percentage points higher than second-placed NT.

What is driving the ‘revolving door’?

The recent rise in imprisonment is unlikely to be due to changes in the state’s crime rate. Long-term crime trends show a steady decline over the past 12 years. And while some might blame recent government policies, given their open promotion of “get tough” strategies related to crime control and correctional policy , the picture is a bit more complex than this.

One contributing factor is the increased use of court-ordered parole in combination with decreased use of suspended sentences. The Corrective Services Act 2006 (QLD) stated that parole would be the only option for early release from prison. As a result, other forms of gradual or conditional release from prison, including work release, temporary absences or home detention, were no longer available.

In traditional forms of parole, parole boards determine the date of release following a period of good behaviour. Although this form of parole continued to exist for offenders sentenced to terms of three years or more, the Act introduced court-ordered parole for offenders who have committed less serious offences and are sentenced to three years or less. In these cases, courts set the date of parole release at sentencing and parole could begin at any point. In effect, offenders could serve their entire sentence in the community on parole.

The aim of court-ordered parole was ostensibly to increase the level of supervision for offenders in the community. All sentenced offenders would receive at least some level of supervision – though the intensity of this supervision would vary. But court-ordered parole has also been pitched as an alternative to suspended sentences by providing magistrates with a supervised alternative.

However, evidence suggests that a large proportion of these offenders either return to prison as a result of a breach, leading to suspension or cancellation of the order, or after committing a new offence. For instance, our research indicates that about one in four court-ordered parolees return to prison on a new offence after a three-year follow-up, in contrast to about one in ten board-ordered parolees.

The reality is that the often minimal level of supervision may increase the amount of scrutiny without providing much of the kind of support that offenders might require for successful re-entry.

The increasingly constricted level of funding and resources devoted to community corrections might also contribute to this result. Funding restrictions limit the nature and extent of supervision that parole officers with growing caseloads can provide. They also reduce the availability of post-prison programs.

Certainly changes in the “back-end” release policies – such as court-ordered parole – may have contributed to a revolving-door situation in which offenders frequently return to prisons. It is possible that the less frequent use of suspended sentences contributed because parolees are more closely monitored, increasing the detection of breaches. However, researchers Menéndez and Weatherburn have found, to the contrary, that suspended sentences may actually lead to a rise in the imprisonment rate.

Whatever the reason, the issue is to find some way to deal with the rising trend, and especially with the high levels of offender breaches.

Community reparation and rehabilitation work best

Recent evidence demonstrates the importance of focusing on re-entry and reparation in two important ways.

First, research has demonstrated the importance of sanctions that combine punishment with programs that help re-establish the offender in the community. These emphasise punishment in the community rather than removal from society – and include a range of reparative sanctions and rehabilitative community sanctions .

Second, helping offenders find and keep work has been shown to promote offender change. This contributes to successful re-entry to society. Investing in prison training and programs as well as prisoner re-entry programs reduces the risk of re-offending.

In Queensland, where QCS has provided vocational and educational training programs, evidence indicates very positive results. Rates of re-offending have fallen for prisoners who enrol in these programs.

Our research shows that completion of in-prison vocational and educational training lowers the risk of re-imprisonment . In a forthcoming publication, we show that these work programs are important starting points for offenders to change their patterns of behaviour, forging new non-offending identities.

These types of programs will make a difference in helping offenders reintegrate by tackling the risk factors for offending.

You can read other articles in the State of Imprisonment series .

• Rehabilitation
• Law and order
• State of Imprisonment
• Imprisonment costs
• Crime rates

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Visiting Someone In Jail

When someone is sent to jail, it can be very difficult for friends or family members. One thing that often causes stress and difficulty is learning to negotiate the jail system. If you know someone who has been sent to a correctional centre you will no doubt have many questions about how that system works, how you can contact the person and what you can do to best support them through this time. You may also want to know how to go about visiting someone in jail.

Locating the prisoner

Unless you have had direct contact with the person since they have been in jail, you probably won’t know which correctional facility they are in. To find out which prison a person has been sent to, you need to know the person’s Master Index Number (MIN). If you don’t know their MIN you need their full name and date of birth.

To find out a prisoner’s location, contact Corrective Services New South Wales. 

Who can Visit?

Once you have located the person, you may want to book a visit with them. There are no restrictions on who can visit an inmate. Up to four adults can visit at one time. Some prisons require visitors to be on the prisoner’s visitors list before they can attend for a visit. Check with the prison you are planning to visit if this is the case.

How do I Arrange to visit someone in jail ?

Contact the jail to book a visit day and time. This can be done by letter or phone and will ensure that they will be ready and available when you visit. It is a good idea to call Sentence Administration before you leave. Inmates can be moved at very short notice, so it is a good idea to call and check that the inmate is still in the same correctional centre and that that centre is not in lockdown as soon as possible before you leave to avoid the disappointment of not being able to visit.

Arrive early. Correctional centres are often located in remote areas so factoring in travel time is important. You may be required to wait until the visit can be facilitated so leave yourself plenty of time.

On your first visit, you will be given your own Visitor Identification Number (VIN). This is the number that you will use on each visit to identify yourself.

What to Take When Visiting Someone In Jail

You can take the following items to a prison visit.

Identification

You will need to take some form of identification (eg: driver licence, passport) with you each time that you visit an inmate.

Each inmate has an account where they can keep up to $100 for the purchase of things like toiletries, additional food, clothing, personal items and telephone calls. Using your VIN you can deposit money into an inmate’s account. You can also post-money between visits using a money order from a post office.

Things to show

While visiting you are not allowed to give anything to an inmate, but you can take things like photographs and children’s artworks to show them while you are there.

Things to give

Some jails will allow you to leave items such as socks and underwear for an inmate when you visit. Usually, these are given to jail staff and handed on to the inmate later on. You will need to check if this is allowed by the individual centre  before bringing gifts.

What not to take when visiting someone in jail

You should avoid taking any of the following items to a prison visit.

Clothing with metal

On your way into the correctional centre you will be required to pass through a metal detector. It is worth thinking carefully about the clothes that you wear to the visit to ensure that you are not held up, or holding up others by triggering the metal detector.

If you have medication that you have to have on you at all times, then you can bring that with you into jail. However, it needs to be in its original packaging with your name on it and it is a good idea to bring your prescription along as well. Once in the jail you will need to give these things to staff to take care of while you visit.

You need to ensure that you have no illicit drugs on your person or in your car when you visit. Sniffer dogs are often used at correctional centres to ensure that drugs are not being conveyed to inmates by visitors. Being found with drugs on your person or in your car will result in very serious consequences, including criminal charges and bans from visiting an inmate.

The offence of bringing, or attempting to bring drugs into a correctional centre carries a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison and a $5,500 fine.

What Happens at A Visit?

When you are visiting someone in jail you will be required to prove your identity and pass through security. This process could involve sniffer dogs and a metal detector.

Contact visits

For contact visits, you will be led into a room where the visit will be conducted. At all times you are required to stay seated at a table. However, you are allowed to touch, hug and kiss the inmate.

If the correctional centre has a concern for the safety of you or the inmate, or if they believe it to be necessary for some other reason, you may be required to meet for a non-contact visit. This is a visit where you are separated from the inmate by glass, and no physical contact is allowed.

Rules when Visiting Someone in Jail

The rules when visiting someone in jail are as follows:

• No smoking;
• You will not be allowed in if you are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs;
• If you behave in a disruptive way you may be forced to leave and could be barred from returning;
• You must stay seated on chairs, you may not sit on laps or on tables;
• You can only make contact with the inmate that you are authorized to visit, and cannot join other visitors at other tables.

Can I Take Children to a Visit?

Children can visit inmates, but they must be accompanied by an adult. If you are bringing children with you when visiting someone in jail, remember that you need to bring identification for them as well as yourself (passport or birth certificate).

If you don’t think that your children will be able to behave themselves for the duration of a visit, or you do not want to take them with you there are childcare facilities called SHINE at several correctional centres where you can leave your children while you visit an inmate. For more information call 9714 3000 (Sydney); 4582 2141 (Windsor); 6332 5957 (Bathurst) or visit www.shineforkids.org.au.

If an inmate is in custody for offences involving child victims there are special requirements that must be met before children will be allowed to visit. Call the Child Protection and Coordination Support Unit on 8346 1333 for more information.

What Happens If I’m Barred from Visiting Someone in jail?

If you break any of the rules of the jail while visiting someone in jail you can be removed from the correctional centre and barred from returning. This bar can be imposed either by the particular correctional centre or by the Commissioner of Corrections.

If the bar is imposed by the particular centre that you have been visiting it only applies to that centre, so you are still able to visit other jails. The terms of the bar are at the discretion of the General Manager of the centre. They make a decision as to whether you are barred completely or just from particular types of visits; whether you can still visit some inmates while barred from visiting others and how long the bar is for. If you wish to appeal that decision you need to write to the General Manager, addressing the reasons for which you were barred. There is no formal process of review for such a decision.

If you have been barred by the Commissioner you will receive a formal letter outlining the terms of the Commissioner’s direction. This decision is made under the regulation 108 of the  Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Regulation  2014.

The Commissioner will consider one request to review a decision made under the Regulations. This request needs to be made in writing and should address the circumstances that caused you to be barred, whether you prejudice the good order and security of the correctional centre and whether on previous visits you have acted in a threatening, offensive, indecent, obscene, abusive or improper way. It should include your full name, date of birth, VIN and an address for the Commissioner to respond to.

The letter should be addressed:

To the Commissioner of Corrections

Visits Review Unit

Locked Mail Bag 3

Australia Post Business Centre

SILVERWATER NSW 1811

Even though the Commissioner has directed that you be prevented from visiting any correctional centre, it is within the Commissioner’s power to nonetheless permit you to continue to visit a particular inmate or a particular correctional centre subject to any condition that the commissioner considers to be appropriate. If you are only intending on visiting one inmate, it is recommended that you identify that inmate in your letter of appeal (by name and MIN) and indicate that if the Commissioner is unwilling to vary the ban they might consider allowing you limited visiting rights.

If, after reviewing your case, the Commissioner maintains your bar from jail visits there is little more that can be done to reverse the decision. In limited circumstances the matter may be reviewable by a court or by NCAT. If you are in this position the solicitors at Armstrong Legal are familiar with the principles and practices of judicial and administrative review and may be able to help you.

How Else Can I Make Contact?

You can also stay in contact with a person while they are in jail in the following ways.

Telephone Calls

Unfortunately, there is no way for you to place calls to an inmate. However, they can call you. Each inmate has a phone card with 6 numbers on it that they can call. Inmates can have this card programmed to include family, friends, their lawyer and other services as required.

When you receive a call from an inmate you will first be informed that you are receiving a call from a correctional centre. Once the inmate is on the line you will have up to 6 minutes to speak.

Please note that even when you make arrangements for an inmate to call you at a certain time or on a certain day, things outside of their control can get in the way of them being able to contact you. Often there are queues to use the phones, or there is an incident at the jail that causes the inmates to be locked down and so calls are not allowed.

Letters to inmates are encouraged. The MIN of an inmate should be clearly printed on main that you send. Also be aware that all letters are opened by prison staff and screened for illegal activity before they are passed on to inmates. Some correctional centres allow friends and family to send clothing, books and magazines to inmates, but you will need to enquire with the specific centre before sending anything more than letters.

Video Visits

If you live too far away from the correctional centre, or if you or other members of an inmate’s friends and family are hindered from visiting in person by disability or age, visits via video link can be arranged.

An inmate can apply for a video visit from inside the correctional centre and can nominate up to 4 adults and 4 children to participate in the visit. The application process takes around 2 weeks. If and when the application is approved you will get a call to coordinate the visit. You will be required to go to somewhere with the necessary technology for the visit.

Video visits can go for up to one hour, and you can bring whatever you like to show through the screen.

What can I do if I have a Problem with Jail Staff on a Visit?

You should first ask to speak with the most senior staff member on duty or wait and call the General Manager of the correctional centre on the next working day to make your complaint.

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint at the correctional centre level you can write to the Commissioner of Corrections or in limited circumstances contact the NSW Ombudsman.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.

This article was written by Michelle Makela

Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning.  Michelle has been involved in all practice areas of the firm and in her personal practice has had experience in litigation at all levels (State and Federal Industrial Tribunals, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, Federal...

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