10. Prisons

10.1  The DRS believes in restorative rather than retributive justice.  Prison sentences should be a last resort and alternatives used and developed.

10.2  The DRS believes prisoners have a right to health care based on best practice principles as the rest of the community.  This includes confidentiality, the right to refuse investigation or treatment (pre and post-test counselling and informed consent to any procedures are required), access to Medicare and culturally appropriate mental health services.  (see also 2. Health Rights.)

10.3  The DRS believes prisoner health care services should be separate from the prison system and Government Medical Officer duties.  Medical practitioners who provide health care for prisoners should not be involved in procedures related to the collection of evidence or punitive measures.

10.4  The DRS supports appropriate drug dependence management within the prison system, including supportive withdrawal programs, immediate methadone treatment if indicated by therapeutic assessment, nicotine patches and counselling as well as unimpeded access to condoms and needle exchanges with appropriate education programs.  (see also Tobacco, Alcohol, and other Drug Use 6.3.7 and 6.3.8; and HIV/PLWAIDS 11.3.6)

10.5  The DRS believes prison services should have policies relating to sexual assault in prison.  This should be directed at prevention, safe environments, reporting, intervention and treatment, taking into account prison culture and barriers to disclosure.

10.6  The DRS does not support the compulsory segregation or isolation of  prisoners solely due to their HIV status.

10.7  The DRS believes that the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Black Deaths in Custody should be implemented immediately. (see also Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 7.4)

10.8 Watch-houses:
10.8.1  The DRS believes the problems with infra-structure, overcrowding and detention for extended periods of time in watch-houses needs immediate attention.

10.8.2  The DRS believes detainees should have access to 24hr on-call medical attention and daily nursing assessment with facilities for drug withdrawal and dispensing of medications including methadone.

10.8.3  The DRS believes supervising police officers should have appropriate training in first aid, recognition of drug withdrawal and psychiatric symptoms and should refer early for medical assessment.