Probes follow Risdon unrest

AN investigation is continuing to determine the identities of the ringleaders behind last week’s Risdon Prison unrest.

About 40 medium-security inmates refused to return to cells last Wednesday and demanded better conditions.

The unrest lasted for several hours until the prison’s Tactical Response Group was sent in and used tear gas on the inmates.

There were no injuries to staff but one inmate sustained a cut to the leg. No significant property damage occurred.

Prison authorities said the inmates were protesting the phase-out of nicotine patches.

Acting Corrections Minister Guy Barnett has ordered a review into the prison’s management of the program.

The prison has been experiencing overcrowding after a surge in the number of inmates. This has apparently resulted in the doubling up of inmates in some cells designed for one person.

There has also been a rise in the number of lockdowns, exacerbated by understaffing, which the Government said it was addressing by hiring more correctional officers.

When asked if the ringleaders had been identified, a Tasmania Prison Service spokeswoman said the investigation was ongoing.

“The prison has returned to normal operations,” she said.