Obtain info from the Department for Correctional Services
There are a number of ways to obtain information from the Department for Correctional Services, South Australia. However, getting adequate or accurate information can be difficult. Information provided can often be vague, inaccurate or incorrect.
To add to the confusion, Correctional Services do not make their policies available to the public (or people in prison). This significantly reduces accountability and makes it difficult to confirm that any information provided is accurate. See here for further info on obtaining DCS policies.
Phoning DCS is obviously one option. General inquiries can be made on (08) 8226 9000. However, it can take take a long time to get through by phone. Further, there is no assurance the info given by phone is accurate given there is no permanent record of the phone call. Other methods for obtaining information, as explained below, may be required to ensure accuracy and integrity.
The DCS website
First, check out the Department for Correctional Services website. The website provides general information – such as prison locations, addresses, postal addresses, and phone numbers. Further, it provides information about different programs that may be run in prisons, community corrections, victim services, aboriginal services, and the SA Parole Board. Reports such as DCS Annual Reports or DCS strategic plans can also be found there. However, it is important to understand that the information found on the website supports the image that DCS seeks to portray to the community. Certain information may not be complete or accurate.
For example, when reviewing the online brochures for rehabilitation programs, it can be seen that these brochures contain alleged quotes from prisoner participants, talking up the benefits of the rehab program. The problem is, they use the same quote on the brochure of the Violence Prevention Program as on the brochure for the Living Without Violence Program and the Making Changes Program. Prisoners do not participate in both the Living Without Violence and Violence Prevention Program, it is one or the other. In any case, a participant would not make the same quote about participation in all 3 programs.
Furthermore, the quotes say “It was thought-provoking and helpful. I was able to identify my cognitive distortions which helped me understand my offending history, and begin to develop safe behaviour.” Unless the prisoner was previously a clinical psychologist, it is highly doubtful they would use language such as that. While this is a minor example, it is nevertheless an example of the misleading information DCS use to boost their image.
Email or writing
Second, to obtain information that is specific and needed to be relied upon for important matters, send an email or write a letter. Responses are provided in the same manner. This assists in maintaining accountability in the accuracy of the information provided. While DCS responses are often helpful, frustration may occur. Sometimes responses can be vague, deflective, or simply not address the matter raised.
Complete information may require multiple follow-up emails. Email dcs@sa.gov.au for inquiries. Alternatively, you may write to DCS inquiries – GPO Box 1747, ADELAIDE SA 5001. If you wish to direct emails or letters to certain areas within correctional services, simply address the letter to that area. For example, ‘To the Chief Executive’ or, ‘To the Sentence Management Unit’, etc.
If DCS do not provide an adequate response, a follow up email or letter to the Minister of Corrections will ensure an adequate response is eventually provided. The Minister’s email address is minister.cregan@sa.gov.au. Alternatively, he can be contacted on (08) 8303 0670 or by mail at PO Box 6446, Halifax Street, Adelaide SA 5001
Freedom of Information
Third, you can obtain information by making applications for information under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (SA). Fee waivers often apply for people in prison or those in the community on government concession. Using FOI allows access (in most cases) to your personal information and to official policy and procedures. Online FOI application form can be accessed by clicking here.
Minister for Correctional Services
If you are frustrated by a response from DCS, you can always escalate the issue to the Minister for Correctional Services, email minister.cregan@sa.gov.au. The office of the Minister will contact DCS about the matter, DCS will respond to the Minister, and then the Minister will respond to you. Copies of most email communication between the Minister and DCS about your issue can be obtained by Freedom of Information. This will ensure DCS are providing accurate and truthful responses to the Minister when informing the Minister about your issue. A list of members of Parliament and their contact details can be accessed by clicking here. The downside to this is that responses from the Minister can often take a long time. Patience and persistence is the key.
Contact us for further information…
Crim Nation, South Australia – Prison Reform Advocate