ID :
198986
Wed, 08/03/2011 - 14:10
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/198986
The shortlink copeid
SA prison officers reject steel cells
SYDNEY (AAP) -South Australian prison officers have rejected a plan by the state government to modify shipping containers for use as prison cells.
Public Service Association industrial officer Peter Christopher said correctional officers met on Wednesday and rejected the idea because of safety concerns.
"Prisons are not only where prisoners are secured, they are also the worksites for correctional officers," Mr Christopher said.
"As such, proper standards are vital."
Mr Christopher said a similar idea was tried in Western Australia and expensive modifications became necessary to ensure officer safety was not compromised.
In May Correctional Services Minister Tom Koutsantonis announced a trial for the shipping container cells as a cheap way of easing congestion in the state's prisons.
"Using this method, the government can deploy new prison cells to cope with any increase in demand in up to half the time with a cost saving of up to 40 per cent compared to traditional cellblock construction," Mr Koutsantonis said.
The government's trial unit is made up of six single cells and was built from newly-fabricated shipping containers and then fitted with prison grade fittings.
Public Service Association industrial officer Peter Christopher said correctional officers met on Wednesday and rejected the idea because of safety concerns.
"Prisons are not only where prisoners are secured, they are also the worksites for correctional officers," Mr Christopher said.
"As such, proper standards are vital."
Mr Christopher said a similar idea was tried in Western Australia and expensive modifications became necessary to ensure officer safety was not compromised.
In May Correctional Services Minister Tom Koutsantonis announced a trial for the shipping container cells as a cheap way of easing congestion in the state's prisons.
"Using this method, the government can deploy new prison cells to cope with any increase in demand in up to half the time with a cost saving of up to 40 per cent compared to traditional cellblock construction," Mr Koutsantonis said.
The government's trial unit is made up of six single cells and was built from newly-fabricated shipping containers and then fitted with prison grade fittings.
