Prison transport is ‘out of control’
A WHISTLEBLOWER says faults with the state’s prison transport network risks drugs and weapons being smuggled into correctional facilities in what he describes as a “circus” ready to implode.
Insiders have told of their fears that the private security company G4S’s poor efficiency regimen could open doors for unchecked cabins to be used to smuggle contraband.
Those who have previously spoken out about safety concerns are claiming they were bullied out of the company.
Civil action is currently under way against G4S, which is responsible for the state’s multimillion-dollar prison transport contract between courts, prisons, youth justice centres and police stations.
A whistleblower told the Addy that systematic bullying and the fear of repercussions when reporting problems had left some staff so traumatised they were no longer able to work, with Worksafe and Fair Work becoming involved in the past year.
The long-term employee detailed: SECURITY breaches; CONTRABAND smuggling into prisons; and, BULLYING of staff.
“If you want to smuggle something into the prisons though, the transport system is the way to go. The vans pass through practically unchecked and once I accidentally took a laptop thorough totally undetected,” the whistleblower said.
“That’s how the drugs are getting inside.
“When the Victorian community is up in arms about the sentencing system, if only they knew what it looked like behind closed doors. It’s out of control.”
The latest fears come just weeks after a prisoner transfer fiasco saw a Crown witness transported in the same van as the two accused while en route to the Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court. The victim later testified in court that he no longer had any memory of the alleged assault, sparking calls from the State Opposition for an investigation into the prisoner transfer system.
“This is not uncommon, it’s just this one has leaked out,” the whistleblower said.
In 2009, G4S was re-awarded a transport contract despite the Western Australia coroner finding it had contributed to deaths in custody in 2008.
The coroner also found the company contributed to the death of another man who suffered an asthma attack en route to Port Philip Prison in 2005. And in 2000, a coroner said the transport network failed in its safety when four men hanged themselves at Port Philip in 1997.
A new five-year contract was awarded to the Victorian arm of the company in October 2015.
At the time, corrections said the tender process found G4S offered the “best service model and value for money” with about 60,000 prisoner movements recorded per year.
“Based on current prisoner projections, the value of the new contract is estimated at $95.7 million.”
G4S has provided the service in Victoria since 1997, according to its website.
The whistleblower said legal action involving staff over allegations of internal bullying and harassment had allegedly seen an employee of five years so badly bullied he’d been left “a broken man”. Others had been assaulted by prisoners or witnessed near escapes from custody, the worker said.
Director Justice Operations for G4S Brett McMerrin said its operations were subject to “compliance reporting and regular audit in accordance with our contractual requirements”.
Mr McMerrin said all vehicles were inspected daily prior to use and maintained to the highest levels.
“The safety and welfare of all prisoners and our employees is our highest priority. G4S works in co-operation with WorkSafe Victoria on all safety matters as part of our operations, and any issues identified are rectified within agreed time frames,” he said.
“G4S has a matter before the Fair Work Commission, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”