Prisons

Many people find their first encounter with the prison system daunting and confusing. These pages are designed to provide information for people who have been charged and think they might be sent to jail, prisoners' families and other interested people about what happens to prisoners and how you can contact, support and visit them.

Our role

The Department of Corrective Services is responsible for maintaining the custody of prisoners and the security and good order of the State's prisons. In accordance with the Prisons Act 1981 and the Adult Custodial Rules, the Department oversees the assessment and placement of offenders in appropriate prisons for the duration of their sentences.

Our prisons

The Department manages 14 diverse prisons throughout Western Australia (WA). Some prisoners serve their sentence in minimum-security prisons such as Karnet Prison Farm, while others are at maximum-security facilities such as Casuarina. The Department also has prisons in regional WA, such as Broome and Albany. Additionally, the Department operates 6 prisoner work camps across the state. The total number of beds currently available for use in the WA prison system is 5,079 as at Thursday, 13 January 2011.

Parole

The Prisoners Review Board considers prisoners for release from custody, sets or varies the conditions of release and considers applications for the suspension and/or cancellation of orders.

Making a positive difference

The Department strives to make a positive difference in the lives of all offenders through a focus on programs, interventions and initiatives that can positively influence offender behaviour to help reduce re-offending.

Prison industries supply diverse products and services for the 5000 prisoners, such as meat, vegetables, laundry services and manufacture of prisoner clothing and footwear and ensure meaningful employment opportunities are provided for prisoners.

As well as this, prison industries steer the Department's self-sustainability drive by contributing to a significant reduction in the costs of running prisons.

During 2008/09 the estimated value of goods and services provided by prison industries was in excess of $14 million.

Prisoner population

To view weekly prisoner population statistics and for more prison related statistics, refer to our Statistics and Publications section.

Last updated: 14-Jan-2011