Long Bay Correctional Centre
 | |
| Location | Sydney, New South Wales |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Maximum and Minimum (Males and Females) |
| Capacity | Various |
| Managed by | Department of Corrective Services |
Long Bay Correctional Complex is located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Long Bay comprises five institutions, 4 maximum security and one minimum security.
The New South Wales Department of Corrective Services administrates the Long Bay Correctional Complex. The current Commissioner of Corrective Services in New South Wales is Ron Woodham. The recent management of the Long Bay prisons has been somewhat transient and currently the Metropolitan Medical Transit Centre which became Long Bay Hospital Area 2 recently, has now closed. (Jan. 2006) What will become of the older prison facilites at Long Bay is yet to be seen as the DCS is currently undertaking and expensive restructure aimed at cutting costs. One of the principle architects of this scheme (The "Way Forward") is recently appointed Deputy Commissioner Ian McLean, formerly Senior Assistant Commissoner Offender Management Services. This new position reflects a change in name only.
The department is rolling out new facilites statewide under new pay/work conditions and it would appear that a secret agenda to close/refurbish/re-open older facilities at Long Bay may just be part of the "Way Forward" policy. It is to be noted that the Prison Officers' Union at Long Bay has been in protracted disagreements with the department on security matters on many occasions, some resulting in Industrial Commission decisions against the department. One such disagreement was the proposed issuing of large carving knives to inamtes of the Violent Offenders' Therapeutic Program.
A daring escape from the Long Bay Hospital (formerly Long Bay Prison Hospital) in January 2006 cited possible poor security and management of prisons at Long Bay. A reported inadaquacy of electronic security systems has raised the issue of the unmanned hospitals'towers being re-staffed 24/7. However with the pressure of cost reductions this is unlikely, more likely is an expensive upgrade of electronic security or closure/rebuild of the centre. It appears that the "Way Forward" may result in this. Many have expressed growing disquiet at what they see as corrupt and inept management of this department, and Long Bay always seems to be at the forefront of this, these are the most costly correctional centres in Australia, costing around $200 per day per inmate(maximum security). Much of the cost can be attributed to rebuilt/refurbished units for conducting therapeutic programs where staff to inmate ratios are high, however a large cadre of psychologists, welfare, councellors,education and hobby teachers significantly contribute to the costs.
The future of these programs seems assured as they provide the government with a "credible rehabiltation program" to sell to the public. Due to very strict censorship laws in regards to information about these prisons, little information is publicly available. A former Senior Psychologist of the Violent Offenders Therapeutic Program believes there is probably only about a 20% succession rate of offenders who will reduce violence as a result of participation in the program. The cost effectiveness of these programs is not currently debated, yet it appears the reduction in Prison Officers will continue to provide cost savings in the future.
A former Superintendent of Long Bay, current Commissioner Ron Woodham, has been highlighted for a dubious appointment of the former Long Bay based Metropolitan Regional Commander, John Klok to a position that was created days before he occupied it, namely - Assistant Commissioner (Security). After media and political questioning about the appointment the postion title and duties changed to Assistant Commissoner (South West region and Security). Some months later John Klok resigned however this episode has stirred up contoversy into Commissioner Woodham's mangagement style, the so called "jobs for the boys" style that has been alluded to by the media and opposition politicians. This has earned the ailing Commissioner the title of "Rotten Ron" and "J.Edgar" in regards to his hands on management style. However to Correctional Officers it appears he will be fondly remembered alleged incompetence which has led to them being some of the highest paid public servants in the state through understaffing and great deals of overtime.
Divisions
Malabar Special Programs Centre
Malabar Special Programs Centre is a maximum security facility which caters for inmates with a variety of problems. It comprises the Special Care Unit, the Alexander Maconochie Unit (violence prevention), Lifestyles Unit (for HIV-positive inmates), the Kevin Waller Unit for self-harming and suicidal inmates, a sex offenders program.
Metropolitan Medical Transit Centre
Metropolitan Medical Transit Centre is a maximum security facility, currently being used to hold inmates who have been discharged from Long Bay Hospital or are awaiting medical appointments.
Industrial Training Centre
Industrial Training Centre is a minimum security facility which holds inmates serving short sentences and those nearing release.
Long Bay Hospital
Long Bay Hospital is a maximum security facility which holds a total of 120 inmate patients in four wards. Jointly administered by the Department of Corrective Services and Justice Health (NSW Department of Health).
Special Purpose Centre
Special Purpose Centre is a maximum security facility which holds inmates requiring special protection.
Notable prisoners
- Rodney Adler, businessman Neddy Smith,gangster Russell Cox,armed robber
- Ivan Milat, convicted of the Backpacker murders Darcy Dugan,armed robber
- René Rivkin(Deceased) , businessman