Security boost for youth justice centres

Last published on 10 Dec 2021 

Infrastructure at the State’s six youth justice centres will be bolstered under an $8 million program of works to protect staff and enhance rehabilitation efforts.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the upgrades will strengthen centres and transport vehicles, ensuring a safe working environment for officers.

“Safer and more secure custodial environments enable staff to focus on rehabilitation and education, as we work with detainees to reduce their risk of re-offending,” Mr Henskens said.

“New x-ray body scanners will be introduced at Cobham and Reiby youth justice centres, which have the highest rate of admissions in the State, to streamline security checks of those entering these centres.

“We will also be equipping the Incident Response Teams at Frank Baxter and Cobham with new body worn cameras, to capture transparent audio and visual recordings when they respond to incidents.”

Other infrastructure being upgraded across the centres includes:

• New perimeter fencing;
• Reinforced ceilings inside high risk units;
• Additional security cameras;
• New airlock doors and security grille; and
• New office space.

Custodial vehicles will also be fitted out with GPS tracking devices, on board communication equipment and CCTV systems.

“The NSW Government is reforming the Youth Justice custodial system in a comprehensive way, enhancing security infrastructure in line with recommendations of Lee Shearer’s report,” Mr Henskens said.

“These upgrades build on that important work which has helped reduce the rate of assaults on staff within youth justice centres by 40 per cent since 2018-19.”

The works are expected to be completed by the end of June 2022.