Palen Creek - Prisoner Handbook - October 2010

PALEN CREEK



CORRECTIONAL



CENTRE

PRISONER

INDUCTION



HANDBOOK



October 2010

INDEX



Introduction …………………………………………………………………………… Page 3

Message to Prisoners ………………………………………………………………. Page 4

What Happens when I arrive ………………………………………………………. Page 5

Unit Rules ……………………………………………………………………………. Page 6

Structured Day ………………………………………………………………………. Page 7

Map of Centre ……………………………………………………………………….. Page 8

PART 1 – Visits ……………………………………………………………………... Page 9

PART 2 – Telephone calls/Mail ………………………………………..……….... Page 11

PART 3 – Education ………………………………………………………………… Page 15

PART 4 – Activities/Hobbies …………………………………………………….… Page 16

PART 5 – Health Services …………………………………………………………. Page 17

PART 6 - Chaplaincy Visits and Religious Services ……………………………. Page 18

PART 7 – Employment ……………………………………………………………… Page 19

PART 8 – Canteen Buy-ups & Prisoner Property ……………………………….. Page 21

PART 9 – Case Management ……………………………………………………… Page 24

PART 10 – Centre Structure ………………………………………………………. Page 26

PART 11 – Smoking Policy ………………………………………………………… Page 27

PART 12 – Harassment & Bullying ……………………………………………….. Page 28

PART 13 – Prisoner Advisory Committee ………………………………………... Page 30

PART 14 – Legislation ……………………………………………………………… Page 31

PART 15 – Drug Strategy …………………………………………………………. Page 32

PART 16 – Suicide Prevention ……………………………………………………. Page 33

PART 17 – Behaviour & Discipline ……………………………………………….. Page 34

PART 18 – Complaints …………………………………………………………….. Page 35

PART 19 – Legal Advise & Assistance ………………………….………………… Page 37

PART 20 – Escape W arning ………………………………………………………. Page 38

PART 21 – General Information …………………………………………………… Page 39

PART 22 – Management Structure ……………………………………………….. Page 41

PART 23 – Psychological Services ……………………………………………….. Page 41

PART 24 – Sentence Management ……………………………………………….. Page 42

PART 25 – Community Service …………………………………………………… Page 42



Message to Prisoners .................................................................................................................. 5

What happens when I get to Palen Creek Correctional Centre .................................................. 6

Unit Rules .................................................................................................................................. 7

Map of Palen Creek.................................................................................................................... 9

PART 2 - TELELPHONE CALLS AND MAIL .................................................................... 12

Telephone Calls ..................................................................................................................... 12



Version 9 2 October 2010

Auto Dial System ................................................................................................................... 12

Legal Telephone Calls .......................................................................................................... 13

ORGANISATION ................................................................................................................... 14

Mail .......................................................................................................................................... 15

Personal Correspondence ................................................................................................... 15

Privileged Mail ........................................................................................................................ 15

Blue Letters ............................................................................................................................ 16

PART 3 – EDUCATION ......................................................................................................... 16

Library ..................................................................................................................................... 16

Computer Access .................................................................................................................. 16

PART 4 - ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES ......................................................................................... 17

Recreation .............................................................................................................................. 17

Hobby Rooms ........................................................................................................................ 17

Activity Classes ...................................................................................................................... 18

PART 5 - HEALTH SERVICES ........................................................................................... 18

Private Medical Care............................................................................................................. 18

PART 6 - CHAPLAINCY VISITS AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES ................................... 19

Appointment of Religious Visitors ....................................................................................... 19

Religious Visitors (Personal) ............................................................................................... 19

Regular Sunday Services .................................................................................................... 20

Chaplain Duty Roster............................................................................................................ 20

PART 7 - EMPLOYMENT ................................................................................................... 20

PART 8 - CANTEEN BUY-UPS & PRISONER PROPERTY ......................................... 22

Buy-ups ................................................................................................................................... 22

Reception Buy-Ups ............................................................................................................... 22

Activity Sales .......................................................................................................................... 22

Prisoner Trust Accounts ....................................................................................................... 23

Reception Store ..................................................................................................................... 23

What are „Hand-Ins‟ and „Hand-Outs‟? .............................................................................. 23

What can be handed in? ...................................................................................................... 23

What can be handed out? .................................................................................................... 24

How Can I get property out of the Reception Store? ....................................................... 24

PART 9 - CASE MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................... 25

PART 11 - PRISONER SMOKING POLICY ..................................................................... 28

Statement on Smoking ......................................................................................................... 28

PART 12 - HARASSMENT / SEXUAL HARASSMENT & BULLYING ......................... 29

PALEN CREEK CORRECTIONAL CENTRE ANTI BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

POLICY; ................................................................................................................................. 31

PART 13 - PRISONER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAC) .............................................. 31

PART 14 - LEGISLATION .................................................................................................... 32

PART 15 - PALEN CREEK‟S DRUG STRATEGY ........................................................... 33

PART 16 - SUICIDE PREVENTION................................................................................... 34

PART 17 - BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE ..................................................................... 35

PART 18 - COMPLAINTS .................................................................................................... 36

Making a complaint – Internal ............................................................................................. 36

Ombudsman ........................................................................................................................... 36

Independent - Official Visitor ............................................................................................... 37

Complaints management system ....................................................................................... 37

PART 19 - LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE ............................................................. 38

Children‟s Commissioner ..................................................................................................... 38

Crime and Misconduct Commission ................................................................................... 38

Legal Aid Queensland .......................................................................................................... 38

Version 9 3 October 2010

Introduction

This induction book sets out information about the correctional system, Palen Creek

Correctional Centre, and your obligations and entitlements whilst you are in the criminal

justice system. This induction book will give you information on the daily issues of the

Palen Creek Correctional Centre along with information regarding the Qld Correctional

system. It must be noted that the information presented in this book represents only a brief

summary of the material. If you are interested in more detailed information, you should

consult the relevant references as quoted throughout the book. The material in this book

should only be used as a secondary source. The primary sources are located in the library.



Whilst in custody you will be held responsible for you own conduct. Your conduct will be an

important criterion that determines whether or not you receive privileges as a prisoner.

Along with your behaviour, your willingness and commitment to work, engage in education,

recreation and self development programs which assist rehabilitation, will also be

considered when applying for parole, or community based programs. Deliberate and

continual disregard for Centre rules and regulations can and may carry penalties ranging

from loss of privileges to extra terms of imprisonment.



You are encouraged to live at Palen Creek Correctional Centre, as a positive, productive

and drug free individual that reflects a lifestyle of community expectations.

Those who cannot live by the rules of this Centre, and choose to deliberately or continually

breach these rules, will be subject to a range of penalties from, loss of privileges to extra

terms of imprisonment.









Version 9 4 October 2010

Message to Prisoners

The information in this handbook has been prepared to help you understand some of the

legislation, rules, procedures, opportunities and activities that collectively make up the

lifestyle at Palen Creek Correctional Centre. I encourage you to read this booklet, and, if

uncertain about any aspect of its content, ask a staff member to clarify – they will assist

you.



Staff at Palen Creek Correctional Centre, are well trained and are tasked with providing a

professional correctional service to all persons detained in this Centre. Palen Creek

Correctional Centre has a range of educational and vocational training programs for the

benefit of all prisoners. Family visits, recreational and sporting activities are also available.



The principle core value permeating the operation of Palen Creek Correctional Centre is

the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of all human beings and their potential for

improvement. Palen Creek Correctional Centre‟s approach to prisoner management will

emphasise self directed rehabilitation in an open, campus style environment.



Bullying, Harassment or unacceptable behaviour WILL NOT BE TOLLERATED.



Corrective Service Act 2006 Section 28 states that:-

Sentenced prisoners may not carry on a business whilst accommodated in a corrective

services facility. A prisoner has 21 days after being sentenced to transfer responsibility for

the business to another person.







Greg J Prestridge

Assistant General Manager









Version 9 5 October 2010

What happens when I get to Palen Creek Correctional Centre



When you first arrive:



 You will be allocated to an accommodation unit ,



 You will be assessed by the Centre‟s medical staff,



 You will be interviewed by an induction team within 2 days of arrival



 You will be interviewed by your nominated case officer within 2 weeks of your

arrival.



 You will be interviewed by a correctional supervisor within 1 week of your arrival.



 You will be issued with information which will allow you to access the Arunta

telephone system. $5.00 will be credited to your telephone account, this will be

deducted from your Trust Account balance, if insufficient funds are available this

amount will be deducted at a time when there is funds available.





A few points to note



 No water is to be consumed from any source other than treated water from taps.



 An Identification (ID) card will be issued to you upon arrival. You must wear your ID

card when you are on muster and/or leave your unit.



 Prisoners are not permitted to feed any wild life at Palen Creek Correctional Centre,

this includes the bird life.



 Palen Creek management has been advised, that any prisoner who feeds wildlife

(including birds) at this centre, is committing an offence and may be charged by outside

authorities.









Version 9 6 October 2010

Unit Rules

 Prisoners are to follow all lawful instructions issued to them by a Custodial Correctional

Officer. Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action being initiated.

 Prisoners housed in the unit are to respect the rights/privacy of other prisoners in the unit.

 All buildings within the facility are smoke free areas. Smoking is not permitted in

any buildings. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

 Noise levels are to be kept to a minimum. Boisterous behaviour, loud music etc. will not be

tolerated.

 Rooms are to be cleaned with bed made, ready for inspection by 8am daily.

 Only authorised items will be allowed in the rooms; any unauthorised items will be

confiscated.

 Items or posters of any sort are not permitted to be placed on the walls (non-offensive

displayed on the pin board excepted). No alterations of any kind eg, nails in walls, etc.

 Books are to be kept to a maximum of five (5) in a room. A reasonable amount of

magazines are permitted. Exceptions will be made for approved legal and educational

material.

 There will be no excess newspapers/cardboard or other flammable items allowed in the

rooms.

 Food is not permitted to be stored in rooms, with the exception of buy up and STP items

with a maximum of five (5) cans of food.

 All hobby work must be approved by Assistant General Manager and all stipulations in

regards to hobbies/hobby materials must be adhered to.

 Prisoners are not permitted to enter any other unit without the permission of a Custodial

Correctional Officer.

 Work boots must be placed in the space provided outside of the unit to prevent floor

damage.

 Outer doors will be locked on the completion of the 9:00 pm Headcount. Any prisoner found

outside the unit after this time will be subject to disciplinary action.

 All prisoners must vacate the common areas in their unit by 10:00pm

 Prisoners are not permitted in another prisoner‟s room after 9:00pm muster - NO

EXCEPTIONS.

 A maximum of six (6) pot plants are allowed in the common areas of each unit. One (1) pot

plant is allowed in each room.

 The viewing window on the room door is not to be covered.

 The unit notice board is for displaying information relevant to the unit and/or the Centre and

is not to be used for any other purpose.





Greg J Prestridge

Assistant General Manager









Version 9 7 October 2010

PALEN CREEK CORRECTIONAL CENTRE

PRISONERS STRUCTURED DAY

0500 Headcount / Unlock

Prisoner meaningful activity time as per activities schedule. All prisoners are to ensure

0515-0745

that they present themselves at there designated areas at each muster.

0530 Early kitchen workers to their work area.

0600 Prisoners approved for dental or medical appointments to Duty Room

0700 Preparation for Community Service LOA‟s. Store workers to work.

0715 - 0730 Cooks to collect knives.

0715 - 0730 Morning medication issued at surgery.

0730 Community Service LOA‟s to leave centre. Buy-up forms to be handed in.

0745-0815 Duty Room - out of bounds. Breakfast to be completed prior to muster.

Muster - covered footwear and ID tags to be worn. No smoking or drinking or eating on

0800

muster. Rooms to be clean and beds made.

0815 Workers to their allocated work area. Prisoners issued work keys and duress radios.

0830-0850 Surgery opens for Sick Parade.

Visits conducted, weekends only. Prisoners are to ensure correct clothing is worn and

1000-1400

no unauthorised articles are either taken or returned from visits.

1030 Muster commences – Lunch delivery and Muster for out of compound workers.

1100 Doctor‟s parade commences, Tuesdays only. (unless advised otherwise)

Prisoners working within compound area cease work and return to units, (with the

1130 exception of store and kitchen workers). Issue of Buy-ups commenced. (Wednesday

only)

Muster at designated area. ID tags must be worn, No smoking drinking or eating on

1145

muster.

1145-1300 Duty Room - out of bounds

1200 Lunch break

1235 Prisoner work recommences

Doctor‟s parade for prisoners continues –Tuesdays only (unless advised otherwise.

1300-1500

Issue of Buy-ups commenced. (Wednesday only)

Prisoners cease work and return to units. Work keys and duress radios returned to Duty

1515

Room.

Muster – at designated area. ID tags must be worn, No smoking drinking or eating on

1515

muster

Prisoner meaningful activity time as per activities schedule. All prisoners are to ensure

1545-1700

that they present themselves at there designated areas at each muster.

1530 Cooks to return knives to Duty Room.

1630 - 1645 Afternoon medication called.

Muster – at designated area. ID tags must be worn, No smoking drinking or eating on

1700

muster

Prisoner meaningful activity time as per activities schedule. All prisoners are to ensure

1730-1915 that they present themselves at there designated areas at each muster. Hobby and

Gymnasium keys issued to authorised prisoners.

1730 Evening meal

Muster – at designated area. ID tags must be worn, No smoking drinking or eating on

1915

muster. Unit kitchens closed, no cooking.

Prisoner meaningful activity time as per activities schedule. All prisoners must be within

1945-2045

their respected units prior to 2100 headcount.

2045 All hobby and gymnasium keys to be returned to Duty Room.

2100 Headcount - all prisoners to be their own cell. All units secured, alarms activated

2130 Camp in „Night Mode‟ -random patrols & headcounts conducted.

STRICTLY NO PRISONERMOVEMENT OUTSIDE UNITS AFTER 2100

Greg Prestridge

Assistant General Manager

Palen Creek Correctional Centre







Version 9 8 October 2010

Map of Palen Creek









VERSION 10 17 MAY

2010

PART 1 - VISITS

Prisoners are permitted to have weekend visits.



When are visits?



Visit days at Palen Creek Correctional Centre are:



Saturday 10.00am – 2.00pm

Sunday 10.00am – 2.00pm



Where are visits held?



Visits are all held in the visiting area opposite the visits reception area. Prisoners must

report to the duty officer before entering or leaving the visiting area.



Visitor approvals



New visitors to Palen Creek Correctional Centre need to apply on the approved form 27

which is available from Palen Creek Correctional Centre or online.



Intending visitors are required to supply the following information on that form:



• Full name,

• Date of birth,

• Permanent address where the visitor lives,

• Contact telephone number (in case of cancelled visit),

• Relationship to you, and

• Any previous court convictions



When approval to visit the centre is granted, visitors may make a booking.



Note: Visitor applications and security checks are renewed every 12 months.



Bookings



Visits can be booked by ringing 07 5544 3111 during the allotted booking times:



Tuesday and Wednesday between :-

9.00 am and 11.00 am and

1.00 pm and 3.00 pm



No visit will be permitted without prior booking.



A permanent booking system is available. You can make permanent bookings and once

they are approved, they will remain booked for 6 months





Dress Standards on Visits



All clothing must be clean and tidy. You must wear prison issue clothing (cooks clothing is

not permitted), covered footwear and a prison issue jacket only.



10

All visitors, including children, are to be reasonably dressed and no thongs are permitted

to be worn



Visit Procedure



• Visitors may arrive no earlier than 9.30am and no later than 10.30 am

• Identification is required for both adults and children and this must be produced on

every visit to the centre.

• No personal items of any description are permitted to be bought into Palen Creek

Correctional Centre.

• No food, drink or tobacco products are to be bought into visits by a visitor.

Prisoners are permitted to provide various food items in accordance with the local

approved list.

• Any property items brought in by visitors for prisoners must be pre-approved, or it

will not be accepted.

• Any inappropriate behaviour during the visit may result in the visit being terminated.

• Visitor‟s toilets are located in the Visits Reception area.

• No movement in or out of the visit area will be permitted between

11.45am and 1.15pm on visit days.





Visitor Information and Identification



Visits Transport



The Prisoner Transport Group operates a transport service to Palen Creek Correctional

Centre. The bus service operates every second Saturday. The bus departs from the Roma

Street Transit Centre at 9.00am arriving at Palen Creek Correctional Centre at

approximately 11.00am and departs Palen Creek Correctional Centre at 2.00pm.



Bookings can only be made by telephoning 1800 334 379 Monday to Friday, between

10.00am and 12 noon, and again between 1.00pm to 3.00pm, seating is limited and

booking are on a „first in – first served‟ basis.



Precise details and times of departure will be provided at the time of booking. The

Prisoners Transport Group also provides:-



• Bus transport to some other prisons

• Advice on dealing with the prison administration / system

• Weekly support group

• Home visits in the Brisbane / Logan area; and

• Financial assistance – limited funds



Legal Visits



Legal visits can be arranged at a time convenient to both your legal representative/s and

Palen Creek Correctional Centre.



Religious Visits



Visits by priests, ministers, pastors, and church representatives can be arranged at a time

convenient to both your religious visitor and Palen Creek Correctional Centre.



11

Arrangements for religious visits are made by the intending visitor contacting the centre or

the Chaplaincy Co-ordinator in advance.



Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Prisoners



A support group of elders visit Palen Creek Correctional Centre on a monthly basis.

Please see the duty officer for further enquiries.



All enquiries regarding indigenous issues and Murri Aide visits can be directed to the duty

officer.



Family Video Conferencing



Facilities are now available for family video conferencing. Submit your request to

supervisor.







PART 2 - TELELPHONE CALLS AND MAIL



Telephone Calls



Upon reception to Palen Creek, you will have $5.00 credited to your phone account so you

can notify your immediate family, friends or next of kin of your whereabouts. This will be

deducted form your trust account when funds become available.



Auto Dial System



 Your phone list from the previous Centre you were at will be transferred to the

ARUNTA system at Palen Creek ; or



 You can provide details of up to ten people you wish to telephone and place the form in

the internal mail box.



There is no limit to the number of calls you can make provided that there are sufficient

funds in your phone account.



You are responsible for ensuring that adequate funds are transferred each week from your

trust account to your telephone account by filling in the appropriate form which will be

processed by the trust account officer each Monday and Friday.



You may apply to add or delete listed telephone numbers by completing the application

forms available in your unit.



You may not list telephone numbers to the following:



 The TAB or other gaming agency

 A government department

 Information services (including services with numbers starting 0055)

 An official visitor

 A paging service

 Any correctional centre or community custody centre, and

12

A Correctional Officer may authorise a special telephone call in the event of a family crisis,

or for any other reason the Correctional Officer deems suitable.



Please note that is illegal for a prisoner to call an approved telephone number knowing the

call will be diverted to another telephone number to allow the prisoner to contact someone

other than the approved person, or intentionally continue with a call that the prisoner

knows is diverted from an approved number to another telephone number.



Refer sec 50 – (5), Subdivision 2, Corrective Services Act (QLD) 2006.



Note: You are not permitted to receive incoming telephone calls.



Legal Telephone Calls



Sec 52 - (2). Subdivision 4, - Corrective Services Act (QLD) 2006,



Note: All calls except legal will be recorded.



A telephone call to:



 The prisoner‟s lawyer

 An officer of a law enforcement agency , or

 The Parliamentary Commissioner for Administrative Investigations,

are all considered to be a legal telephone call.



Legal phone numbers must be entered onto your phone list by filling in the appropriate

form available in your unit. Costs of legal phone calls are to be borne by the prisoner.









13

The following numbers are provided on the ARUNTA and are available at the prescribed

times.



TELEPHONE NO. RECORD

PERIOD DURING WHICH

AUTODIAL AUTHORISED FOR CALL

ORGANISATION PTS abbreviation PRISONERS MAY ACCESS

NUMBER ENTRY ON AUTO

ACCOUNT

DIAL LIST YES/NO



Thursdays

1 Ombudsman Ombudsman 0730057016 9.30am to No

11.30am

Commission for

9.00am to 5.00pm

Children and

Children’s Mondays and

2 Young People 0732475525 No

Commission Wednesdays, except

and Child

public holidays

Guardian

Crime and 9.00am to 5.00pm

Crime and

3 Misconduct 0733606060 No

Misconduct Monday to Friday

Commission

Legal Aid Legal Aid 9.00am to 5.00pm

4 1300881018 No

Queensland QLD Monday to Friday

9.00am to 1.00pm

Prisoners Legal Prisoner Legal

5 0738463384 Tuesdays and No

Service Svc

Thursdays

Prisoners Legal

PLS – Parole 0738463211 9.00am to 1.00pm

6 Service – Parole No

Assist Wednesday

Assistance

7 Crimestoppers Crimestoppers 0733646400 When PTS available No

Child Support Child Support 131272 9.00am5.00pm

8 Yes

Agency Agency Monday to Friday

Palen Creek Palen Creek 7:00am to 6:30pm

9 55443731 Yes

Intel Office Intelligence Every Day

Department of Dept of 9.00am to 5.00pm

10 1300 880 882 Yes

Housing Housing Monday to Friday

State Penalties Yes

8:00am to 5:00pm

11 Enforcement SPER 1300 365 635

Monday to Friday

Registry

09:00 to 5:00

12 HEP C Council HEP C 1300437222 No

Monday to Friday

Quit Smoking 09:00 to 5:00

13 Quit help line 137848 Yes

Help line Monday to Friday

Aboriginal and

Torres Strait 8:30am to 4;30PM

14 ATSILS 0730253888 No

Islander Legal Monday to Friday

Service









14

Mail



Mail is collected and delivered each working day. Deliveries usually take place during the

5.15pm muster.



Personal Correspondence



 Outgoing mail must be left unsealed for inspection. Your name and address must be

clearly written on the back of the envelope.

 Do not give your mail to staff. Place mail in the mailbox at PC2.

 All inward and outbound mail (except for official letters) will be searched for

contraband.

 There is no limit to the number of letters that you can send or receive.

 There is no censorship of mail unless authorised by the Assistant General Manager.

 Pre-stamped envelopes can be purchased through the canteen buy up system.

 No unapproved property other than mail will be accepted. Unapproved items will be

returned to sender or to your next of kin, at your expense.

 You can have court clothes, and approved property sent through the mail, provided

relevant forms are completed and signed by a Manager of the facility.

 The postal address for Palen Creek Correctional Centre is:

Private Mail Bag No 1. – Rathdowney, QLD, 4287.



Privileged Mail



1) Mail is classed as „privileged‟ according to the Schedule 3 of the Act if it is addressed

to one of the following people or organisations :



a) a minister

b) the chief executive or someone authorised by the chief executive ;

c) a person in charge

d) the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administrative Investigations

e) the Commonwealth Ombudsman

f) the Information Commissioner under the Freedom of Information Act 1992

g) the Attorney General of the Commonwealth

h) the Anti Discrimination Commissioner under the Anti Discrimination Act 1991

i) the President of the Human Rights and Equal opportunities Commission

j) the Director of Public Prosecutions

k) a Registrar or Clerk of a Court

l) the secretary of a Corrections Board

m) an officer of a law enforcement agency

n) an official visitor or

o) a prisoner‟s lawyer



2) To help identify mail as privileged mail, a prisoner may send it in a blue envelope;



3) The person in charge must provide a prisoner with a blue envelope on request or

they are readily available in the centres library.



4) NOTE: All privileged mail must be clearly marked or it may be opened by

mistake.







15

Blue Letters



Blue letters can be used to access certain persons. These are defined as privileged mail

and defined in Part 2, Sec.18 of the Corrective Services Regulations (Qld) 2006.



Blue letters are used for writing to the above people. They are confidential and despatched

unopened and uncensored. Use the blue letter if you wish to write to any of the above

people. You may also use the blue letter to write to the Clerk of the Courts, Registrar, or to

a Minister of the Crown.



PART 3 – EDUCATION

Within a short period of your arrival at this Centre the Education Officer will make an

assessment of your literacy and numeric skills as well as your general education standard.



If you are interested in a particular course or you wish to undertake educational studies,

send a request form to the education officer. The education referral forms located in your

unit have a full list of courses available. Alternatively all upcoming courses will be

advertised on your unit‟s notice board.



You may also enrol in external (correspondence) courses. However, the course fees for

external courses must be met by you.



All access to the Education Building is to be via the Duty Desk. After you have submitted

a request form, the education officer will make an appointment to see you.



Library

Access to the Palen Creek Correctional Centre library is as follows:



 Monday to Friday: 1300 – 1500 and then from 1930 – 2045

Note: the Library is closed on Wednesday evenings.

 Weekends: 0830 – 1100 and 1530 and 1700.



Computer Access

Computers are available in the library for use by prisoners during normal library opening

hours. You will need to obtain approval from the Education Officer to use them. Application

forms are available from the library or in your unit but need to be approved and signed

before you can use the computers. This process is monitored. Unauthorised use or use

outside authorised hours can result is loss of computer use privilege.



Diskettes are available from the store for purchase by prisoners. There is a property limit

of 10.



Inappropriate material (i.e. pornography) is not to be copied or saved on any computer or

diskette in the Centre. You may be charged if any such material is found on a

diskette/computer in your possession. Printing of documents and photocopying is

performed by the education unit on weekdays and must be accompanied by the

appropriate form.



Prisoner tutors are available to help you with one-on-one tutoring of basic word processing

skills, if required.

16

PART 4 - ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES

Activities:



There is an oval for running, walking, cricket, touch football etc. as well as a sign posted

designated walking track for use in approved times at this Centre.



Regular Activities at this Centre include:



Arts & Craft - Lead lighting, Pottery, Leatherwork, Art.



Sports - Tennis, Touch Football, Darts,

Volley Ball, Table Tennis, Gymnasium,

Cricket, Pool & Board Games.



DVD Movies: There are movies provided each day and these are

shown at various times throughout the week. A certain

number of educational DVD/Videos are also shown.



Recreation



An Activities Officer is available to assist with training programs, hobby advice and access

to art and sport catalogues.

A variety of activities and sporting facilities are available in which prisoners are

encouraged to participate. At times, the activities co-ordinator conducts sporting

competitions.



Requests for repairs or replacement equipment must be submitted to the Activities Officer.



Hobby Rooms



Hobby rooms are open after the structured workday is finished and the 1515 muster is

completed and cleared. The hobby rooms will stay open until 2045



Note: Keys to the Activities Room will only be issued to authorised prisoners.



Hobby Process



To initiate the start of a new hobby project you need to obtain permission first. This is

achieved by filling out the hobby approval form (available in your unit). Attach to this form a

completed and signed STP form with the same information on it. Please ensure that you

provide as much information as possible on these forms to assist in the preparation of your

request. (e.g. colour, type, size) When you have completed these forms hand the forms in

to the Activities Officer at his office after 1530 each day, or give to the Activities Clerk, or

place in the mail box at PC2.



Once the Activities Officer and Manager Offender Manager have approved and signed the

forms your hobby can be commenced. A hobby item is not to be commenced until it is

approved.



Purchases through hobbies are facilitated each Wednesday afternoon between 1300 and

1430, unless otherwise notified. Approved items can be purchased during this time.

17

When you have completed your hobby item you are required to bring the item to the

Activities Officers Office after 1530 on Tuesday afternoons. He will then sign off the item,

photograph it and then have the completed item placed in the store and recorded on your

property. From there you can make arrangements to have the item posted or handed out

by utilising the hand-out process.



Please Note: Only One (1) hobby item is allowed at any one time and you cannot

commence another until the first one has been completed, signed off, photographed

and placed in your property. (Exceptions can only be made for items being made for

charity organisations.)



Activity Classes



To have your name placed on the list to participate in any of the advertised activities,

submit a prisoner request form.





PART 5 - HEALTH SERVICES



There is a registered nurse on duty daily. A doctor attends the centre each Tuesday unless

otherwise notified.



Medications are dispensed three times daily:



 0715 hours to 0730 hours

 1130 hours to1200 hours, and

 1630 hours to 1645 hours



To see the doctor or dentist, submit a request form to the Registered Nurse.



A doctor attends Palen Creek Correctional Centre weekly, and a dental run is conducted

monthly.



Private Medical Care



If you desire private medical care you must apply in writing to the General Manager. All

costs associated with private medical care and transport to and from the same are to be

met by the prisoner. This includes the costs of Escort staff, the vehicle, and meal

allowance costs directly associated with the escort.









18

PART 6 - CHAPLAINCY VISITS AND RELIGIOUS

SERVICES

Chaplains visit Palen Creek Correctional Centre on a regular basis each week. Prisoners

may see the Chaplain by requesting an appointment.



The chaplains Duty Roster covers the following denominations: Roman Catholic, Uniting

Church, Anglican, Salvation Army and Prison Fellowship.



Visits by an Offender‟s religious visitors are permitted by arrangement with the Chaplaincy

Co-ordinator. See the visits section of this book for further details.



Appointment of Religious Visitors



The appointment of religious visitors is coordinated by the Offender Programs and

Services Directorate. A religious visitor may be appointed to a corrective services facility

as either a:-



1. Religious Visitor (Professional)-nominated by the SCB and issued with a letter of

appointment by the Executive Director, Offender Programs and Services. The visitor

may enter and move freely within the facilities (subject to operational constraints)

detailed in the letter of appointment;



2. Indigenous Religious Visitor-nominated by the Queensland Murri Chaplaincy or

SCB and issued with a letter of appointment by the Executive Director, Offender

Programs and Services. The visitor may enter and move freely within the facilities

(subject to operational constraints) detailed in the letter to assist Indigenous prisoners

to maintain contact with their communities and receive spiritual guidance;



3. Religious Visitor (Assistant)-nominated by the person's religious organisation and

approved by the Religious Visitor Team. The visitor may accompany a Religious

Visitor (Professional) and/or undertake a specific task, for example, conduct group

worship or provide religious instruction;



4. Religious Visitor (Personal)-nominated by the person's religious organisation and

approved by the Religious Visitor Team. The visitor may provide spiritual support to

an offender at the request of the offender however is not a member of the Religious

Visitor Team.



Religious Visitors (Personal)



Some religious groups may not have the capacity to regularly visit facilities or may not

wish to participate in the religious visitor roster. A person from such a group wishing to visit

a facility must make written application in the first instance to the Coordinating Religious

Visitor specifying the prisoners/s the person wishes to visit. This will provide a central

coordination point and a record of all religious visitor requests and visits to a facility. The

general manager may also accept a request in a manner appropriate to the circumstances

of the visit and the offender.









19

Regular Sunday Services



1st Sunday of the month Time Venue

Anglican Church 8.30am Spiritual Centre

2nd Sunday of the month Time Venue

Correctional Centres Chaplaincy 8.30am Spiritual Centre

3rd Sunday of the month Time Venue

Salvation Army 8.30am Spiritual Centre

Prison Fellowship (alt Sundays) 2.00pm Spiritual Centre

4th Sunday of the month Time Venue

Correctional Centres Chaplaincy 2.00pm Spiritual Centre

(To incorporate Rochedale Baptists as available)

5th Sunday of the month Time Venue

Roman Catholic 8.30am Spiritual Centre



Chaplain Duty Roster



Duty Chaplain Agency Day

Marcus E Young Boonah Salvation Army Alternate Mondays

Howard Pohlner Inside Outside Alternate Mondays

Frank Harris Catholic Church Wednesday

Arthur McDonald Inside Outside Friday

George Tully Uniting church Thursday



Bible Study Times



Monday Time Venue



Prison Fellowship 6.00pm Spiritual Centre

Tuesday Time Venue

Correctional Centres Chaplaincy 6.00pm Spiritual Centre



PART 7 - EMPLOYMENT

Employment and Remuneration



As far as practicable, prisoners are expected to gain employment whilst at the Centre and

are provided with opportunities to work. If a prisoner refuses to work, he will not be paid

the unemployment benefit and all buy ups will be restricted to the amenities pay of $9.55

per week. If you voluntarily resign (quit) from a job without valid cause, you will not be

entitled to the unemployment rate. You may also have restrictions placed on what you can

purchase through the STP process.



You will be placed on the unemployment rate when you arrive at Palen Creek Correctional

Centre. Prisoners will be placed in an employment area after the initial WPH&S induction

has been completed, after which they may apply for other positions including:- the kitchen,

ground maintenance, education, unit cleaners and cooks, farm workers, fencing workers

and laundry.







20

The pay rate varies according to the job, the skills required, and time in the job. Work is

placed under Services, Industries, Kitchen or Community Service. Rates for these areas

are as follows:

Unemployment rate = $1.30 per day

Services 1 = $2.80 per day

Services 2 = $3.50 per day

Services 3 = $4.25 per day

Industries1 = $4.50 per day

Industries 2 = $5.60 per day

Industries 3 = $6.80 per day

Industries 4 = $7.50 per day

Kitchen 1 = $4.50 per day

Kitchen 2 = $5.60 per day

Kitchen 3 = $6.80 per day

Kitchen 4 = $7.50 per day



Prisoners approved for Community Service will be remunerated at the rate of $7.50 per

day for each day that they perform Community Service work. For all other days work you

will be remunerated at your appointed pay rate.



In addition you will be paid the amenities allowance of $9.55 per week.



After your arrival at Palen Creek CC you will have a Workplace Health & Safety (WPH&S)

induction and then be allocated to a work area.



Application forms for job changes are in each unit. If you have any particular skills or

abilities which would be useful in the Centre, you should disclose this information when

you receive your induction into the centre. All efforts will be made to place you into

employment that you are suitably qualified for.



If you apply for and are approved for a job that is advertised in the weekly vacancy

schedule you are expected to remain in that position for a minimum of 60 days before a

further job change will be considered.



Pays are credited to your trust account on Monday mornings. If you have arrived within

the past week you will be paid the unemployment rate for the number of working days you

have been here, commencing on the day you arrived. A balance of your account is

available from the duty office on Monday afternoons.









21

PART 8 - CANTEEN BUY-UPS & PRISONER PROPERTY

Buy-ups



Buy-ups are available for pick-up between 1300 and 1600 Wednesday afternoons.



Buy-up forms are available in your unit and must be handed in after the 8.00am muster on

Tuesdays. Usually one person from each unit will deliver the forms to the reception store.

If unsure, ask in the unit who that person is.

Available (unfrozen) funds must be in your account by the end of the working day on

Monday if you want to have a buy-up on Wednesday.



How much can I spend?



Provided you have sufficient funds in your Trust Account the limit is $110.00 per “buy-up”.

Any items over this amount will not be processed.



Reception Buy-Ups



Usually you will have the chance to get a reception buy-up the day you arrive at Palen

Creek; this will depend on staff availability at the time and date of your reception.



How can I get an item that is not stocked by the Canteen?



STP buy-ups are other outside purchases (from approved stores) that aren‟t available on

the regular buy up. STP buy-ups are also conducted weekly.



Forms need to be taken by you to the duty office to be signed, and then placed into the

box outside the reception store by 9.00am on Mondays. If approved, funds in your account

will be frozen and your purchases can be picked up from the reception store when

advised.



No computer equipment will be purchased.



Please note the following:



 Food and tobacco items are not purchased on STP buy-ups.

 Health supplements will not be purchased unless prior approval has been obtained

by the Medical Officer and the Assistant General Manager.

 STP Purchases will be delivered to the property store and if necessary will be

entered on to your property record.

 All electronic items you purchase or you bring into the centre are required by law to

be electronically tested and tagged before they are issued to you. This cost is to be

met by you at $3.00 per item.



Activity Sales



„Activities‟ sell stationary and selected items through the Centre‟s approved processes.









22

Prisoner Trust Accounts



You will have been allocated a trust account and an ID number when you came into

custody. This will follow you to Palen Creek Correctional Centre. Financial transactions

that affect you will be done through your trust account.



Updated trust account balances are available from the duty office every Monday evening

after the 7.30pm muster.



Family and friends are able to deposit cash into your trust account by sending you a

cheque or money order through the post. Note that money orders are preferable to

cheques and that cheques take 5 working days to clear. You will not be able to spend

uncleared funds in your account. You will receive a receipt for any cheques or money

orders received through the post. The posting in of cash is strongly discouraged.



Forms are available in your unit if you wish to have money taken out of your trust account

to send to a family member or to pay an account. Take this form to the duty office to be

signed, and then drop it into the mailbox. Attach a stamped addressed envelope and any

paperwork you wish to accompany the cheque.



Note: Money cannot be transferred from your trust account to another prisoners trust

account



Reception Store

Access to Reception Store is from:

8.00am – 9.00am & 2.00pm – 3.00pm - Mondays & Tuesdays – Thursdays & Fridays

Note: Access is not available on Wednesdays



Emergency Issue - Anytime – directed from the duty room only



What are „Hand-Ins‟ and „Hand-Outs‟?



A ‘hand-in’, is an article that has been approved by the Assistant General Manager to be

handed in or delivered to the Centre for you. This is done through a yellow form to the

reception store officer. Approved hand-ins left by your visitors over the weekend can be

collected from the reception store when you are notified.



A ‘hand-out’ is an item of property that you have asked to be sent out of the centre (use

the green form).



What can be handed in?



Only authorised items will be approved by a Manager to be handed or posted in. See the

list of items on the next page that prisoners are authorised to have. The forms are to be

handed in or placed in the box at the reception store by 9.00am Mondays.



Computer related items and certain education material require the initial approval of the

Education Officer prior to submitting a hand in form. Religious material may require the

prior approval of the Prison Chaplaincy Board.



Prisoners‟ personal property must not exceed 0.25 cubic metres. This excludes the

property covered by Regulation 30 – Sec 3.



23

What can be handed out?



Just about anything that belongs to you. You can only hand out belongings to a

permanent visitor or relative. You cannot hand out belongings to another prisoner, or

another prisoner‟s family or friends. The forms are to be handed in or placed in the box at

the reception store by 9.00am Mondays.



How Can I get property out of the Reception Store?



You must fill in a yellow form and if it is approved by the Manager of Offender

Management, you will be called to the reception store.



AUTHORISED PROPERTY - What you can have in your cell.



Food stuffs: Maximum of five (5) tins in possession. All food items purchased on

buy up and stored in rooms must be kept in mice proof containers.



Drinks: A maximum of 24 cans of soft drink and or bottles of water is permitted to be

stored in each cell. (No container over 750 ml is permitted at any time)



Toiletries: Not more than can be stored in one (1) standard size toiletry bag



Personal Papers: Not more than can be stored in a standard size shoe box



Books and magazines: 5 (five) books and a reasonable quantity of magazines



Photo Albums: Two (2) in total.



Pictures and Posters: Consisting of non offensive material and must be attached to,

and confined within the perimeter of the notice board provided in your room.



Legal Papers: As required and must be archived or disposed of after use.



Educational Material: As required, must be removed from your room after use.



Radio, Cassette, CD Players: One only, overall length including basic unit and

speakers not to exceed 500mm. Units must not have detachable speakers.

1 x walkman or 1 x discman.

CD‟s and Tapes- 20 in total (No burnt copies are permitted)

1 Combined clock radio or 1 radio only or 1 clock only.



Personal clothing: Beanie and Cap 1 each, 1 towel, 1 pair of runners, 6 socks, 6

singlets and a reasonable quantity of under wear. 1 suit, I set of civilian clothing, 1 pair

leather shoes (to be held in store)



Hobby Gear: As approved by the Assistant General Manager. No Unauthorised hobby

work is to be performed in your room.



Prison issue: Mattress, Doona & cover 1 each, T-shirt 6, Shorts 4, Socks 6, Track

pants & top 2 each, Parka 1, Towels 2, Sheets 2 , Hat, PPE, Jeans 2 9if job related),

Community Service clothing (if approved). Laundry bag, 2 towels, cup, pillow, pillow

slip, T.V, T.V remote control and Oil heater.



24

1 pair of the following prison issue footwear: Joggers, Work boots, thongs,



Jewellery: 1 plain wedding band



The following approved items are to be purchased through the prisoners buy up process,

they will not be issued from a prisoner‟s personal property:-

1 pair of sleepers (to be worn in earlobes only),

1 watch and

1 religious icon.



Laundering of clothes:



Arrangements can be made to have your civilian clothing washed 1 week prior to

discharge or a scheduled court appearance. To access this service please complete a

request form addressed to the stores officer and they will arrange to have your clothes

laundered. If you wish to iron your clothes, this can also be arranged through the stores

officer. You will need to iron your clothes yourself in the stores area. At completion your

clothes will be placed in storage until your discharge or scheduled court appearance.

If you wish to have your suit dry cleaned this can be arranged through the store and will

require you to place a request form and an STP form to cover the associated cost.

At no time are your clothes permitted to be taken to your unit.



There will be no exceptions to this rule.









PART 9 - CASE MANAGEMENT



What is Probation and Parole?



Probation and Parole is the new term for Community Corrections. Whereas

Queensland Corrective Services used to allocate Community Corrections Officers to

each centre, we now have the Offender Management Team receiving your parole

applications and processing them. This means that you will still submit your parole

applications in a similar way to how you used to, but you will now have it assessed

and attend a panel with the Offender Management Team. This panel will include a

representative from the Probation and Parole services, and you can use this

opportunity to ask them for any specialist information. The panel however, not the

probation and parole officer, will make an assessment and recommendation that will

be forwarded to the parole board.



At any time that you may require assistance regarding probation and parole (i.e.

accommodation enquiries, responses to Board correspondence, eligibility criteria and

forwarding correspondence to the Board) you should first commence enquiries with

your case/unit officer, and if needing further assistance, submit a request form to the

Sentence Management or the Psychologist. Importantly, other than at your parole

application panel conference, you will not have contact with members of the

probation and parole team, and therefore, need to have clear understandings of what

you require to progress with your applications.





25

What does a Case Officer do?



Your Case Officer is here to assist you through your sentence.

He or she will ensure that you are following your Offender Management Plan and

assist you with any problems you have with your plan.

All requests that you have should be discussed with your Case Officer before you see

any other staff member (except health issues which you can discuss directly with the

nursing staff).

He or she will refer you to another staff member if they are unable to find an

answer/solution for you.



How will I know who my Case Officer is?



Your Case Officer will be identified and their name placed on the front cover of your

Induction Book.



So who do I see if I have a problem?



Always speak to your case officer first; if they cannot help they will direct you to the

relevant staff member who may be able to assist you. If you are not given the

assistance you require, it is recommended that utilise the following process:



 Case Officer - if no result request to see the

 Supervisor - if no result request to see the

 Manager - if no result request to see the

 Assistant General Manager - if no result request write to the

 General Manager – if no result see the

 Official Visitor – if no result contact the

 Ombudsman



Always go to the next step before escalating. Case management is about solving

problems at a local level.

There is documentation located around the centre which explains how you can contact the

Official Visitor and/or the Ombudsman. Both the Official Visitor and the Ombudsman visit

the centre on a regular basis throughout the year.

If your problem or concern is related to a sentence management decision such as your

classification review or your application for release please utilise the “shop front book”,

located in the duty room. Sentence Management will contact you in relation to your

queries.

You may submit grievances to the Assistant General Manager via the Complaints

Management process. You should first go through the above stages, but you may write to

the Assistant General Manager at any time.









26

PART 10 - CENTRE STRUCTURE



Palen Creek Correctional Centre Overview



 Palen is a 120 bed Open Custody Farm facility.

 Stand overs, bullying and intimidation will not be tolerated and strategies are in

place to deal with this behaviour.

 There is an open campus style environment where you can move freely around the

centre between curfew timeframes



What does it look like?



 Palen Creek is divided into five accommodation blocks.

 The accommodation is a dormitory style layout with 24 cells to each unit.

 Each unit has a Cook, Assistant Cook and Cleaner employed.

 There‟s a sports oval, tennis court, gymnasium, recreation hall and various activity

rooms (hobbies and painting)



What‟s better about Palen Creek?



 You‟re not locked in rooms or accommodation blocks and you are free to move

about the authorised areas of the Centre between curfew timeframes.

 You have a key to your room.

 More privileges including additional hobbies, tennis court and fewer restrictions on

movement.

 You have the opportunity to provide reparation to the community by participating in

Community Service.

 The Centre is set in a relaxed rural environment.









27

PART 11 - PRISONER SMOKING POLICY

Statement on Smoking



Smoking is prohibited in Queensland State Government buildings and vehicles. However,

Correctional Centres provide approved smoking areas. At Palen Creek Correctional

Centre you are permitted to smoke in the stated designated areas only. No smoking is

permitted in any unit, or within 4 meters of the entrance to these areas.



Smoking is not permitted in Industries, Education or within the visiting area. Taking

tobacco products to any of these areas is prohibited.



Management at Palen Creek Correctional Centre is committed to the health and safety of

all prisoners, and recognises its obligation to the provisions of the Workplace Health and

Safety Act.



Management also recognises the harmful effects of direct and passive smoking, and

upholds the rights of smokers and non smokers alike.



Policy



Prisoners may only smoke in areas of the Centre which are well ventilated and have no

other impact on others in the immediate area, these areas are sign posted.



Prisoners must not smoke in the following areas:

 Any unit or Cell

 Visits;

 Main kitchen;

 Recreation hall;

 Woodwork shop;

 Textile Industry;

 Maintenance workshop;

 TAFE skills training workshop;

 Hobby rooms;

 Barber‟s shop;

 Any office;

 Any other enclosed area or building; and

 In any government vehicle.



Cigarette butts and all smoking paraphernalia are not to be thrown onto the ground; they

should be discarded properly in the waste bins provided.









28

PART 12 - HARASSMENT / SEXUAL HARASSMENT &

BULLYING

Harassment & Bullying is covered by Queensland and Federal Legislation.



Harassment & Sexual Harassment covers a range of behaviours:

It is seen as unwanted attention both mentally or physically and in a bullying or sexual

manner. It can be;



Physical: Pushing, Touching, Hitting, Kicking, Spitting, or any other form of unwanted

physical attention.



Verbal: Name calling, or any other form of unwanted verbal abuse. To verbally attack

them or a person who is a close to them.

(Wife, girlfriend, child or, male/female friend) To torment with words.



Non-Verbal: To play mentally tormenting games with another persons mind, placing them

in fear that they may be assaulted or abused if they don‟t submit to unwanted

pressures or demands.



Unwanted attention may be seen in many ways and by many people from many different

backgrounds including, Ethnicity, Culture, Religion, Sexual preference, Values and Beliefs;

they may be seen as, but not limited to the following:-



 Leers and Stares, Gestures or Comments;

 Personally Offensive Verbal Comments;

 Sexual or Offensive Jokes;

 Unsolicited letters;

 Repeated comments or teasing statements at a person's alleged sexual activities or

private life;

 Being followed;

 Standing over or intimidating other prisoners

 Persistent, unwelcome social invitations or telephone calls;

 Physical Contact – patting, pinching, touching or putting an arm around another

person's body;

 Provocative posters with sexual connotation;

 Subtle or explicit demands for sexual activities.



Options for those subjected to Sexual Harassment include:-



 Take no action (this is often ineffective and not recommended);

 Ask the offending person to stop their offensive behaviour (orally or written format);

 Speak to a staff member;

 Write to the Manager.









29

Bullying



Bullying is about unwanted, offensive, humiliating or undermining behaviour towards

others. Palen Creek Correctional Centre has a zero tolerance for bullying.



To stop stand-overs, Palen Creek Correctional Centre has put a number of measures in

place:-

 Your cell is to be kept locked unless you are entering or leaving your cell.

 No other prisoner can enter your cell without your consent.

 Only the prisoners in your unit can enter your cell when invited.

 You cannot borrow from, or lend property to another prisoner.

 You cannot transfer money to another prisoners account.

 Refrain from gambling.



Sexual Assault (Refers to any assault of a sexual nature including intercourse, or other

forms of forced sexual activity.‟)



Help yourself, and all prisoners & staff by:

 Reporting sexual assault and victimisation.

 Being Observant and Supportive of prisoners who may have been victims of sexual

assault or victimisation.

 Raising Awareness hence helping prevent sexual assault and victimisation.



Sexual assault and unwanted sexual activity can occur in correctional environment.

However, it can be prevented, providing prisoners and staff co-operate and take a mutual

stance against the assailant.





Do not make yourself vulnerable to unwanted attention by

borrowing items, participating in gambling, or asking for

favours from other prisoners.





For the prevention and management of sexual assault: we need your help to protect you &

other prisoners from sexual assault and victimisation.



‘If you don't tell us, we don't know, and if we don't know, we can’t help’





To avoid being sexually assaulted:



 Be aware of your environment at all times;

 Do not disclose personal information to other prisoners;

 Remain visible to staff as often as possible; and

 Stay in groups as often as possible.



If you have been a victim of sexual assault or bullying, report the incident to an Officer,

Psychologist, Counsellor or a Nurse immediately.



 Do not shower or clean yourself up.

 Report and support prisoners who are or have been sexually assaulted

or victimised.

30

In the event that a sexual assault or attempted sexual assault occurring advise a staff

member immediately. You will be given appropriate medical and psychological care and

every effort will be made to ensure your future safety within the Centre/System.

Perpetrators of sexual assault will be dealt with by the Centre and the Corrective Services

Investigation Unit.



Participation in sexual assault or bullying can and may result in criminal charges being

initiated, a review of the perpetrator's placement and management within the Centre and

community based options.



Note: It is your responsibility to report incidents of sexual assault. You will be supported

by Centre staff if you make a complaint of sexual victimisation.



PALEN CREEK CORRECTIONAL CENTRE ANTI BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

POLICY;



“Management of Palen Creek Correctional Centre are committed to providing our

staff and prisoners with a healthy and safe work and living environment that is free

from bullying and harassment.



Bullying behaviour is based on the misuse of power in human relationships. From

an occupational health and safety perspective, workplace bullying is defined as:

repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards a person or group of persons at

a workplace, or prisoners which creates a risk to health and safety that can

adversely affect the health and safety of staff and prisoners.



This behaviour “will not be tolerated” and should not be tolerated in any form. Apart

from the physical and psychological effects on individuals and their families,

bullying is also damaging to centre. All reported incidents of bullying will be treated

seriously and investigated promptly, confidentially and impartially.”









PART 13 - PRISONER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAC)

A Prisoner Advisory Committee (PAC) exists in the centre

Prisoner representatives from the prisoner population are chosen by the prisoner to

represent each unit, as well as representatives form areas such as activities.

The PAC meets monthly with management.

The PAC raises issues with management on behalf of the prisoner population

Recommendations and suggestions of the PAC may be overturned by management – the

objective is for management to be aware of the issues and consider the prisoners

perspective, rather than being a forum where all decisions are accepted

PAC meetings are regularly convened when management have a requirement to ensure

that the prisoner population is advised of upcoming changes

You should see your PAC representative where you have suggestions that you would like

presented to management

After each monthly meeting, the minutes of the PAC meeting are posted on noticeboards

around the centre. You should keep informed through reviewing these minutes.







31

PART 14 - LEGISLATION

Ignorance of the law is not an excuse



Information on legislation, delegated legislation, policies and procedures used for this

document are derived from primary and secondary material. If you want more detailed

information on any of the above documents, they are available to you in the Centre‟s

library. However, you must realise that these documents have been placed in the library

for the benefit of all prisoners. Use them in the library but do not remove them.



 Corrective Services Act 2006

 Corrective Services Regulations 2006

 Freedom of Information Act 1992

 Judicial Review Act 1991

 Penalties and Sentences Act 1992

 Bail Act 1980

 Corrective Services Procedures, some of which are restricted from prisoners due to

their nature.

 Acts Interpretation Act 1954

 QCS Procedures



Corrective Services Act (QLD) 2006



This Act is available in the prison library and on the internet for your support people

outside. It is the “primary” legislation and all other legislation clarifies the Act, without

superseding or repeating the Act.



This Act prescribes the rules and penalties for conduct whilst in custody including Minor

and Major Breaches. The Act renews Corrections emphasis on prisoners progressing

through the system to Parole.



Corrective Services Regulations 2006



The Regulations are available in the prison library and on the internet for your support

people outside.



Queensland Corrective Services Procedures



There are Corrective Service‟s Procedures for most processes within the Agency. If you

have any queries about an area ask to see a copy of that particular procedure.









32

PART 15 - PALEN CREEK‟S DRUG STRATEGY







Drug Detection is in progress at Palen Creek Correctional

Centre





The use of illegal drugs in Correctional Centres can result in death, violence, or provide

the user with serious medical problems, as well as having an affect on the lives of their

family and other people in prison.



The drug strategy is a result of the „Mengler Report into Drugs in Gaol‟ where a task force

was formed to develop various strategies. A number of different interventions were

developed such as the Arunta phone system, increased drug detection through x-ray

equipment, drug dogs, urinalysis and random drug screening.



If you choose to use illegal drugs – then you will suffer the consequences.



If detected, the possible outcomes may include, but are not limited to:-

 Return to secure custody ;

 Investigation/charges by the Corrective Services Investigation Unit (CSIU);

 Breach; and/or

 Separate confinement.



Recorded drug related incidents can have a negative impact on considerations for:-

 Parole;

 Application for leave of absences (LOA)



A positive result to any prohibited or restricted substance without authority will be dealt

with as follows:



A positive result to a urine test will result in immediate transfer to secure custody.

Prescribed medication is to be taken in full view of a custodial officer or nurse.



The possession of illegal drugs or unauthorised prescription drugs will result in the

following action:-

 Immediate transfer to secure custody ;

 Referral to CSIU ; and/or

 A breach being recorded on your file.









33

PART 16 - SUICIDE PREVENTION

You will be aware that being in custody is stressful. In addition, the following also cause

stress:-

 Lack of freedom

 Lack of privacy

 Lack of choice

 Lack of access to family and friends

 Loss of employment and money

 Loss of home and possessions

 Feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, and personal loss

 Powerlessness

 Hopelessness and helplessness

 Lack of access to drugs and alcohol and other ways of coping with life

 Receiving bad news, for example, about a loved one or a knock back on parole or

transfer

 Lack of ability to walk away from problems

 Gambling debts, being stood over, or other reasons to be frightened of the environment



These are just some of the things that can lead a person to depression, anxiety and

thoughts of suicide or self harm.



Each individual has a responsibility to their fellow humans to preserve life. It is up to each

individual to be aware of others around them. If you notice a change in the behaviour of

another prisoner, for example, they appear sad, depressed, anxious, tense, or just

different to how they usually are, try to talk to them and, if they won‟t seek help

themselves, advise an officer of your concerns. Your response may be the first step in

preventing a suicide.



Many prisoners in the past have been helped in this way and this assistance has been

greatly appreciated by staff and by the prisoner who was thinking of self harm or suicide.

When you help another in this way you are not being an informer or a „Dog‟, but you are

preserving a human life.



If you are thinking of self harm or suicide, please:-

 Speak to a staff member and tell them you want urgent support

 Talk to another prisoner and ask them to get help for you



Remember help is readily available and will be provided to you promptly









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PART 17 - BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE

Behavioural expectations



Progression to Palen Creek Correctional Centre requires that a prisoner be assessed as

appropriate in both behaviour and attitude. However, these are not the only

considerations, but they do have the greatest capacity for change.

Your past appropriate conduct allowed for you to progress to Palen Creek Correctional

Centre, now you are required to meet the behavioural and attitudinal standards set by the

general community. As in the community, conflict and issues at Palen Creek Correctional

Centre are resolved by those with the greatest capacity to do so within standards set by

Queensland Corrective Services.



Threatening and violent behaviour of any description is not necessary, and will not be

tolerated. This type of behaviour will be treated as a serious deviation from the

behavioural and attitudinal standards required at this Centre.



This also applies to conduct and work ethics which are disruptive to the harmony and

philosophy of an open Centre environment.



Major and Minor Breaches



Whilst you are accommodated at Palen Creek Correctional Centre you must obey the

rules and regulations set down by Queensland Corrective Services. Failure to follow these

rules may result in a breach of discipline (see Part 2 Regulation 6 of Corrective Services

Regulations (QLD) 2006 and Sec 113 of the Corrective Services Act (QLD) 2006).

Breaches of discipline are prescribed by regulation as either major or minor breaches. For

a summary of breaches refer to the Corrective Services Regulations 2006.



The following table shows where to locate information on major and minor breaches and

related review processes in the Corrective Services Act (QLD) 2006.



Breach of discipline: Sec.113

Considering whether a breach of discipline occurred: Sec.116

Consequences of a breach of discipline: Sec.118

Review of decision: Sec.119









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PART 18 - COMPLAINTS

There are a range of internal and external processes that are available to you in order to

complain about treatment you have received while in custody.



Making a complaint – Internal



 Speak to your case officer or one of the custodial officers ;

 If the complaint remains unresolved, speak to the Correctional Supervisor ;

 If step 2 does not succeed, then write a blue letter to the Manager, Offender

Management ; or

 If the matter has been unresolved, you may write a blue letter to the General Manager.



However, if your complaint alleges that corrective services management has discriminated

against you in a particular way you are required to use internal complaints processes in

the first instance. This means that you must follow a two step process before your

complaint will be accepted for consideration by the Anti-Discrimination Commission

Queensland.

The first step requires that you make your complaint in writing to the General Manager of

the Corrective Services facility where you are being detained. The complaint will be

investigated and resolved within 4 months and a written response provided to you. If your

complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction (or you have not received a response) within

the 4 month period, you may then progress your complaint to the second step of the

process.

The second step involves making a complaint in writing to the official visitor coordinator.

The relevant official visitor will then review your complaint. Once you have received a

response in writing from the official visitor advising that they have finished dealing with

your complaint (or if you have not received a response within 1 month) you may then take

the matter to the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland.



Ombudsman



The Queensland Ombudsman investigates complaints by prisoners and other people

about Queensland Corrective Services.



The Ombudsman also investigates complaints about other government agencies such as

Legal Aid, Parole Boards or the Department of Child Safety.



The types of complaints the Ombudsman receives about Queensland Corrective Services

include complaints about:



 Conditions of imprisonment

 Sentence management

 Property issues

 Contact with family.



Before contacting the Ombudsman, you should try to sort out the problem through

Corrective Services‟ Complaints Management System and, if this does not work, try talking

to an Official Visitor.



If you still need help, contact the Queensland Ombudsman by:



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 Using the free Prisoner PhoneLink available from the access phones at the centre.

Calls are confidential and not recorded.

 Writing to the Ombudsman using the prisoner complaint form and sending it in a blue

envelope (ask your Centre officer for a form). Correspondence to and from the

Ombudsman is considered Privileged Mail and should not be opened by Centre

officers.



Ombudsman contact details are available on all unit notice boards.



Your Centre’s Prisoner PhoneLink access times are:



Thursday – 9.30am to 11.30am

Tuesday – 2pm – 4pm



The Ombudsman can be contacted at this Centre via the Arunta telephone system.



To telephone the Ombudsman:



Enter your own account number and PIN;

Press *

Press #

Press 02



Blue letters are used for writing to the Ombudsman. For further details on blue letters refer

to the appropriate page of this booklet.



Independent - Official Visitor



Official visitors attend Palen Creek Correctional Centre to provide an independent avenue

of complaint. You may contact the official visitor in the following way:



 Inform your case officer or duty officer that you wish to have your name entered in the

Official Visitor Register ; or

 Write to the Official Visitor and the place the letter in a blue envelope and drop it into

the mailbox.



The official visitor will speak to you on their next visit to the Centre.



Complaints management system



The complaints management process is designed to provide a transparent, efficient and

effective complaints handling process. A copy of this process is available in the prison

library.



All complaints should ideally be resolved in the first instance at the Centre.









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PART 19 - LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE

Prisoner‟s Legal Service



Prisoner‟s Legal Service is an independent non profit organisation which gives free legal

advice and assistance to you and your family in matters that arise from imprisonment. The

Service currently employs one full time Solicitor and one part time Solicitor and an

Administrator/Secretary. You can contact them at:-



Prisoner‟s Legal Service

PO Box 5162

West End QLD 4101



Prisoner‟s Legal Service also provides legal advice to prisoners of Correctional Centres

and their families every Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 9.00am and 1.00pm.

These days are set aside to receive calls and provide advice to Prisoners on legal matters.

The telephone call is free to Prisoners.



Prisoners can access the free call on the Arunta telephone system by the following steps:



 Enter your own account number and PIN;

 Press *

 Press #

 Press 01



Children‟s Commissioner



A service is provided on family matters every Monday and Wednesday between the hours

of 9.00am and 5.00pm.

Prisoners can access the Children‟s Commissioner on this day using a free call on the

Arunta telephone system by the following steps:



 Enter your own account number and PIN ;

 Press *

 Press #

 Press 03



Crime and Misconduct Commission



 Enter your own account number and PIN ;

 Press *

 Press #

 Press 04



Legal Aid Queensland



9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday

 Enter your own account number and PIN ;

 Press *

 Press #

 Press 05



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PART 19 - ESCAPE WARNING

Escape by Persons in Lawful Custody – Section 142 Criminal Code



A person who escapes from lawful custody is guilty of a crime



(maximum penalty - 7 years imprisonment)



Section 124 of the Corrective Services Act 2006 states, an offender must not prepare to

escape from lawful custody or without reasonable excuse, be unlawfully at large.



(maximum penalty - 2 years imprisonment).



Offenders are further warned that section 126 of the Corrective Services Act 2006 states,

a person must not aide someone that the person knows, or ought to reasonably know, is

an offender who is unlawfully at large. (Aide includes abet, employ, harbour and maintain)



(maximum penalty – 100 penalty points or 2 years imprisonment)





The only time prisoners are to be in an area identified as out of bounds is if they are

required to be there for work detail, programs & activities, as instructed by the

officer on duty.



Things you should know about ESCAPE from Palen Creek Correctional

Centre



 If you are not where you are supposed to be then we consider you have

escaped.

 Every offender who has escaped from Palen Creek Correctional Centre has

been captured and returned to high security.

 Every offender who has escaped from Palen Creek Correctional Centre did so

because of problems at home or couldn’t adjust to low security.

 Every offender who has escaped from Palen Creek Correctional Centre made

their problem at home or adjustment much worse by escaping and serving

much longer in high security.



TALK TO FAMILY, FRIEND OR PEER OR SEE A STAFF MEMBER FOR

ASSISTANCE IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS AT HOME OR ADJUSTING TO

LOW SECURITY WE CAN HELP WITHOUT SENDING YOU BACK TO HIGH

SECURITY.









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PART 20 – SOME IMPORTANT POINTS

 The centre has a standard response to codes and contingencies.

 When a code is called, you must move to the nearest assembly area and follow the

instructions of the Custodial Staff.

 Your cell property is limited for many reasons. One reason is to reduce fire

hazards.

 Should a fire occur, you will receive instructions from a Custodial Officer. You are

to follow these instructions.

 Custodial Staff are trained to combat fire incidents. You should not try to help

unless directed, as you may hinder rather than help.

 You must maintain basic hygiene of yourself, basic cleanliness and your cell and

house-common areas.

 The centre has a zero tolerance towards bullying. If you are a victim, you should

report this to an officer. If you are a perpetrator, you will be managed as a

consequence of your behaviour.

 Sexual assault will not be tolerated. Victims of sexual assault should not feel that

they cannot report an assault – you will be supported. If you are a perpetrator of

sexual assault, you will be managed as a consequence of your behaviour.

 Illicit substance use is not tolerated in the centre. There will be consequences to

using, introducing, or moving illicit substances in the centre.

 Drug related implements are prohibited in the centre, however, to avoid contracting

diseases; you must never share a needle.

 Keep your linen and crockery clean.



Some common sense but important points to keep you out of trouble:



 Respect others space

 Avoid slamming doors.

 Keep quiet around the telephone.

 Keep quiet early in the morning and evening

 Do not leave the volume up on TV‟s and radios at night.

 Shower at appropriate times.

 Do not give other prisoners your family‟s personal details or your own.

 Don‟t gamble especially if you cannot pay.

 Petty thieving will give you a reputation that will follow you throughout the system.

 Do not engage in drug trading.

 Do not handle food with your bare hands.

 Do not push into the meal queue.





Basic Hygiene



 Shower at least daily.

 Brush teeth.

 Wash your hands after going to the toilet and before handling food.

 Don‟t put your hands in the food trays.

 DO NOT SHARE toothbrushes nail clippers, towels, combs, cups and any other

personal items.

 Make sure hair clippers have been cleaned before using them.

40

 Use ashtrays.

 If you have a hygiene, problem talk to the nursing staff.

 Use the bin for rubbish.

 Keep your cell free of unsealed food so you don‟t encourage vermin and insects to

come into your cell.

 Don‟t walk around barefoot.

 If there is a blood spill, ask the Custodial Officers for a Blood Spill Kit.



UV Protection



As Queensland has such a high incidence of skin cancer, all offenders are reminded to

wear protective clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Sunscreen is available from a dispenser

next to the soft drink machine at the Duty Office.









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PART 21 - MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE



Assistant General Manager:

The Assistant General Manager has overall responsibility for all Custodial services,

including: accommodation, programs and offender employment, education and

training.



Manager Offender Management:

The Manager Offender Development is responsible for offender behaviour, personal

development and the Offender Management team who coordinate all sentence

management and community risk assessment functions.



Adviser Business Services:

The Adviser Business Services is responsible for: buy-ups (canteen), STP, trust

accounts, industries and the main store.



Operations Officer

The Operations Officer is responsible for Community Service, Workplace Health and

Safety, Intelligence functions, Prisoner Employment processes and maintenance.



Correctional Supervisors

The Correctional Supervisors have a wide range of responsibilities including,

employment and remuneration, the Custodial Staff, Visits, Intelligence support and

the day to day operations of the Centre.







PART 22 - PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES



There are two Psychologists at this Centre based in the Programs building.



Availability: Psychological Services are available five days per week on an

appointment basis only. This appointment may be made by a self-referral

or a referral from a staff member.



Counselling: This service is used to help offenders in crisis, for example, if you are

thinking of harming yourself, deeply distressed, or extremely angry.

Help with welfare issues is also provided by the Counsellor.



Assessment: Psychologists provide reports in relation to assessing an offender’s

community risk to assist the authorised delegate in decision-making.



Programs: Psychologists provide a Transitions Program to assist offenders

with their pre-release needs to assist in successful community

reintegration









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PART 23 - SENTENCE MANAGEMENT

What is this team responsible for?

This team is responsible for all sentence, planning and community risk assessment

functions in accordance with policy and legislation.



What does the team do?

 Sentence Calculations

 Offender Management Plan – Reviews (OMP-R)

 Conditional Release assessments;

 Early Release

 Transfers– Interstate and Regional;

 Immigration and removal

 Legal and court movements

 Program suitability assessments

 Offender Risks Needs Inventory – Revised (ORNI-R) assessments

 Parole Report assessments



How can this team be contacted?

Shop Front Book



Parole

Prisoner‟s eligible to apply for Parole are advised to submit applications no earlier than

120 days prior to eligibility date. If a prisoner is re-applying for Parole the application is to

be submitted in accordance with the Parole Board‟s direction.





PART 24 – COMMUNITY SERVICE LEAVES OF

ABSENCE (LOA‟S)

Prisoners eligible for Community Service Leave of Absence Programs are to apply to

Sentence Management one (1) month prior to eligibility date.



Note: For all LOA‟s, except compassionate and escorted, it is desirable for you to be

accommodated at Palen Creek for a period of between 3 to 6 months, depending on your

sentence, before you are eligible for a Leave of Absence program.



Breaches of LOA

Failing to comply with the conditions of your LOA constitutes a Breach of LOA, which will

result in at least one of the following:



 Further Police Charges;

 Reclassification to a higher level;

 Cancellation of your LOA Program;

 Suspension of your LOA Program.



At all times the procedures and practices set down in the Queensland Corrective Services

Policy on Leaves of Absence will be adhered to.









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FEEDBACK

Did this handbook answer your questions?

If you have any feedback on the Offender Handbook please

forward your feedback on an offender Request Form for

consideration.









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