Media Release: Call for Moratorium on Use of Dry Cells: Following Damning Custodial Inspector’s Review Report

Call for Moratorium on Use of Dry Cells:

Following Damning Custodial Inspector’s Review Report

8 August 2024

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today called for a moratorium to be implemented on the use of controversial dry cells in detention facilities, while the Tasmanian Prison Service finalises a review currently underway.

“In a damning report released earlier this week, the independent Office of the Custodial Inspector described the use of dry cells as inhumane and a serious risk to the human rights of those in custody,” Ms Webb said.

“The Custodial Inspector’s Report states that the use of dry cells needs to cease.

“The introduction of body scanners into our detention facilities should make the need for these inhumane, and predominantly ineffective, dry cells unnecessary.

“The Justice Department has indicated they are currently reviewing the Director’s Standing Order that provides for managing prisoners suspected of concealing items internally, in light of the Custodial Inspector’s report.

“Apparently progress on the installation of at least 4 of the eventual 5 body scanners is underway, which is why I am calling for a moratorium on the use of dry cells to be implemented as soon as an operational body scanner becomes available for a specific detention facility, pending the finalization of department’s dry cell policy review.”

Ms Webb said as alternative mechanisms such as body scanners come online, Tasmania must shut down the dry cells which have been identified as breaching human rights and contributed to the TPS contravening the UN Mandela Rules.

“Dry cells also pose serious health and stress risks to custodial staff, a fact acknowledged by the Department of Justice in its response to the Custodial Inspector.

“While the departmental review of its dry cell policy is a good start, we need immediate action to protect prisoners’ human rights and staff safety, which can be achieved by implementing an immediate moratorium on dry cell use where body scanners are available.”

Ms Webb explained dry cells are cells usually without water and provide little privacy, in which people in custody suspected of having internally concealed contraband are placed with the intent of retrieving those contraband items.

The Office of the Custodial Inspector’s Inhuman Treatment in Dry Cells Review Report 2024 can be found here.

View below text of Meg’s Motion tabeld in the Legislative Council, Tuesday 8 August 2024, or here