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Detainees Now Handcuffed for All Escorts, Regardless of Risk
13 Apr
Summary
- Private prison contractor now requires restraints for all transport.
- New policy applies regardless of detainee risk level.
- Action follows multiple security lapses and escapes.
The Management and Training Corporation (MTC), which manages Australia's onshore immigration detention facilities under a $2.3 billion contract, has implemented a new policy requiring mandatory restraints for all transport and escort tasks. This directive applies to all detainees, including those assessed as low risk, unless medically contraindicated.
The decision follows numerous security breaches, with over a dozen escapes or attempted escapes recorded since MTC began its operations last March. The company has also increased the required staff presence for higher-risk escorts from three to four personnel, excluding the driver, a change that may exacerbate existing staffing shortages.
Recent incidents contributing to the policy change include a detainee allegedly starting a fire at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre's unmanned staff compound. Another escape attempt occurred when a high-risk detainee allegedly stabbed staff and fled during an escort to Sydney airport.
