ACT Corrective Services is an agency of the Justice and Community Safety Directorate of the Australian Capital Territory government in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. It is responsible for a wide range of activities and services in the area aimed at protecting the community and reducing offending behaviour. , the executive director of ACTCS is Jon Peach.
The Probation and Parole Unit provides advice to Courts and releasing authorities on the background and attitudes of offenders on Community Based Orders and to refer offenders to appropriate community based or residential services to assist with addressing a variety of issues. The Unit aims to reduce offending by the use of empirically sound risk assessment tools and a brokerage case management model, which targets criminogenic needs.
Corrections Programs Unit
The Corrections Program Unit was established in 2001 as the Rehabilitation Programs Unit. The Unit incorporates existing programs and services that focus on targeted intervention and supervision of offenders. The services of the Unit are consistent with a focus on specific programs for offenders that address identified risks and criminogenic needs.
It also formerly consisted of the Belconnen Remand Centre and Symonston Temporary Remand Centre. The Belconnen Remand Centre opened in 1976 and closed in 2009. Custodial Operations administrates the Remand Centres Act 1976 which establishes remand centres in the ACT. The Superintendent is responsible for directing and controlling the operations of the ACT adult custodial facilities. The facilities main objective is to carry out the mandate of the court and to ensure the provision of safe care and secure accommodation to those in custody in a controlled environment. The facilities have a responsibility to address a duty of care for each individual, accommodating both genders and a variety of cultures. Under section 6A of the RCA an Official Visitor is appointed. The duties of this officer involve visiting and inspecting the facilities at least once each week, and inquiring into complaints by detainees.
Periodic detention provides an effective alternative sentencing option for ACT offenders. Currently this sentencing option is served on weekends, starting on Friday 7.00 pm and ending on Sunday 4.30 pm. Detainees make a positive contribution to the community while serving their period of detention by performing unpaid community work. To accommodate the increased number of periodic detainees, ACT Corrective Services is currently investigating the possibility of extending periodic detention to mid-week.
Court Transport Unit
The Court Transport Unit is responsible for transporting prisoners between interstate correctional centres and the ACT, transporting prisoners and remandees within the ACT, and the provision of safe and secure custody of prisoners and remandees in ACT Courts.
