Admission Procedures
Upon admission to an adult correctional centre, all required documentation must accompany the inmate. These documents are verified before the inmate is officially received. Any irregularities are reported immediately and recorded.
Each inmate is searched respectfully and privately, with female inmates being searched by female staff only. Personal belongings not permitted for retention are recorded and safely stored until discharge.
Classification of Inmates
Inmates are classified to reduce risks and promote effective rehabilitation:
Adjustments may be made to reduce exposure to negative influences. Additional classes may be created by the Commissioner as needed.
Basic Needs of Inmates
Health and Hygiene
All inmates are bathed upon admission and regularly thereafter. If an inmate is found to have a contagious condition, treatment is initiated promptly to protect others. Haircuts are only administered with consent, unless deemed necessary by the medical officer for health reasons.
Dedicated hospital wards are provided for sick inmates, staffed and ventilated as required for proper treatment and segregation by gender.
Accommodation
Inmates may be housed in individual cells or dormitories. Where cells are shared due to capacity or medical needs, no more than three inmates may occupy one cell, and none may be under sentence of death. Dormitory spacing complies with health standards
certified by a medical officer.
Clothing and Bedding
Each convicted inmate receives a standard issue of clothing and bedding appropriate for health and comfort. Personal items are limited and regulated, with excess clothing returned home or stored at the inmate’s risk. Upon release, the inmate’s own clothes are
returned, or suitable alternatives are provided.
Food and Diet
Meals are provided in accordance with approved dietary standards. Requests for dietary variation may be considered on medical grounds. Complaints about diet must be made promptly and may be investigated. Malicious or repetitive false complaints may result in
disciplinary action.
Prohibited Articles
Inmates are not permitted to possess prohibited items. Confiscated items are either returned upon release or securely stored, unless perishable.
Employment
The Minister may authorise work programmes, published in the Gazette, under which: Inmates may engage in work within the correctional centre under staff supervision; or
Inmates may be assigned to work with approved companies or organisations outside the institution, under terms relating to their employment, discipline, and control.
Employment categories include:
Inmates generally work no more than eight hours per day and are not permitted to work for private individuals or assume roles with disciplinary authority.
When inmates are gainfully employed through supervised programmes employers must remit total earning, less any deduction required by law, to the Superintendent.
These earnings are then applied or distributed as prescribed.
Inmates receive wages at approved rates, with payments managed according to established regulations.
Religious Support
Inmates may access religious services and materials aligned with their declared denomination or religion. Services are typically held on Sundays, and religious changes must be justified and approved by the Superintendent.
Communication and Visits
Communication with family and friends is permitted as follows:
Additional communication may be allowed in special cases such as bereavement, family emergencies, or reintegration planning. Visits are supervised and limited to two persons at a time, and generally not allowed on Sundays or public holidays.
Legal and Official Access
Legal advisers may meet with inmates under supervision. Police interviews require authorisation and are also supervised. Inmates in custody for unpaid fines may receive weekday visits to arrange payment.
