Our role

The functions of the Inspector of Correctional Services are set out in the Inspector of Correctional Services Act 2017 (ACT). The key functions are:

• The examination and review of ACT Correctional centres and services; and
• reviewing critical incidents at correctional centres or provision of correctional services

We are required to report to the ACT Legislative Assembly on our findings from examination and review of ACT Correctional centres and services.

Critical incident is defined in the Inspector of Correctional Services Act 2017 (ACT) to include:

• the death of a person;
• a person’s life being endangered;
• an escape from custody;
• a person being taken hostage;
• a riot that results in significant disruption to a centre or service;
• a fire that results in significant property damage;
• an assault or use of force that results in a person being admitted to a hospital;
• any other incident identified as a critical incident by a relevant Minister or relevant director-general.

Broadly, these powers include:

• the right to enter a correctional centre, including at any time without notice
• the right to inspect any documents relating to a detainee or the provision of a correctional service
• the right to speak to or privately interview a persons at the correctional centre, including detainees with their consent; and
• the right to require provision of information or documents.

The Inspector of Correctional Services is required to provide reports to the Legislative Assembly within 6 months of completion.