National Corrections Day is an initiative endorsed by all jurisdictions to honour staff and the contribution they make to the safe management and rehabilitation of offenders.
This year's theme, "Every Voice Matters" acknowledges the diversity of roles undertaken by staff working (view the gallery) in the complex and challenging corrections system.
Director General, Doctor Adam Tomison, said correctional staff were responsible for the safe management of prisons, the health and welfare of those in custody, teaching life-skills and job qualifications, and guiding those serving time in the community onto the right path.
"We are very proud of our 4,800 staff and the difficult work they do every day providing support for the management of adults and young people with the most complex needs," Dr Tomison said.
Acting Commissioner Mike Reynolds said many corrections staff worked around-the-clock in a high risk environment and their efforts were largely unseen and unheralded.
"Every day staff on the frontline and those behind the scenes help to manage 16 public prisons and a youth detention centre as well as helping offenders in the community comply with court orders," Commissioner Reynolds said.
To mark National Corrections Day the Department of Justice has documented online, through exclusive images, a 24 hour period in the life of its Corrective Services staff (PDF).
From 6.00 am on December 15, photographers gained special access to prisons and offender services around the State capturing the essential work being done to keep the community safe.
From the Kimberley to the Goldfields and Great Southern, the photographs vividly show the diversity of locations and work undertaken by staff from Corrective Services.
Images show our community corrections and juvenile justice staff working with young people and offenders in the community, staff handling livestock on prison farms, running industrial workshops and kitchens, providing health care, and mentoring prisoners and offenders in the community.
Prison officers are shown working around the clock, from dawn patrols and late night cell checks to assisting new mothers with their babies in the early hours.
"These images show the humanity of our people and their dedication, operating in high risk work places and the camaraderie that helps make it possible," Commissioner Reynolds said.
The best of these images will also be displayed at Yagan Square, and Perth landmarks, such as the Bell Tower, will be lit up in the National Corrections Day colours of blue and green to mark the occasion.
