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Introduction to Prisoner Property

The prison security system seeks to:

• ensure the protection of the community by minimising the risk of prisoner escape
• provide a secure working and living environment for prisoners, visitors and staff
• control within the prison any articles or substances which may threaten the good order or security of the prison.

It is in order to achieve these safety standards that property is restricted.

A limit on the amount and type of items a prisoner may keep is essential to a safe prison environment.

In the event of an emergency such as fire or natural disaster clear access and exits from the prison are vital. In a high-density living environment such as a prison, an accumulation of property could lead to a dangerous amount of combustible material, so volume control is important.

Restrictions on valuable items and clothing that displays logos or branding are enforced to prevent these from becoming tradeable commodities that create an alternate economy in the prison. Further, the prison seeks to prevent exposing individuals to risk through ownership of valuables for which they may be coerced, threatened or bullied.

Keeping prisoner property orderly enables staff to monitor the safety of the prison at all times.