Security is a Shared Responsibility!

Recent events in several regions have served to highlight the fact that communication and coordination between PPS and CIE on issues of security leave a lot to be desired! I suspect that this could be an unfortunate consequence of the competitive element that appears to be developing between CIE and PPS following the formation of CIE as a stand-alone service. Some employees that previously worked side-by-side with a common cause are now beginning to adopt an 'us and them" attitude in terms of the PPS/CIE relationship.

It is my belief that this attitude exists, to a degree, in both Services and at all levels. It is also my belief that unless it is nipped in the bud, the potential consequences could be disastrous. CANZ's philosophy on the subject is simple; Health, safety and security are the responsibility of all! Accordingly, we must continue to work collectively and cooperatively to ensure that our current high standards are maintained.

Protocol - Procedure - Practice!
Whilst CANZ acknowledges that PPM documents the protocol required for inter-service cooperation in this area, clear guidelines on a site-by-site basis and total commitment from all involved are absolutely essential if the systems are to be effective. We believe that it is incumbent upon those responsible for the security of working inmates (PPS and CIE) to develop mutually agreed systems and procedures for each site and each industry.

The procedures must be documented, reviewed, tested and signed off by managers of both Services and training must be provided for all affected staff! This is the level of joint commitment that is required in order to ensure that we have no further systemic failures that lead to inmate escapes or offending.

The matter was discussed at yesterday's CIE/CANZ National ACC Partnership meeting and both parties indicated a willingness to support such an approach. Unfortunately, the ACC partnership between CANZ and PPS has not yet developed to the stage where we have the basic structures in place that enable us to discuss and resolve important issues of this kind; However I'm sure that if CANZ continues it's commitment to the process, PPS will eventually get the message. In the meantime, we have undertaken to raise our concerns with Departmental consultant Gordon Tait during next week's meeting with ACC in an effort to generate a successful solution to a pressing problem.

We will keep you informed of developments.
Regards,
Brian Davies
National Organiser