New computer links to keep prisoners in isolation connected and COVID-safe

News story
Melaleuca Women’s Prison is using video links in its isolation wing to keep prisoners connected and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.
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Most women in C/D wing in Unit 1 of the facility are new intake prisoners, who must isolate for the first 10 days of incarceration.

Two computer stations equipped with video links have been installed giving prisoners easier access to social visits and court hearings.

Previously prisoners in the quarantine wing had to be escorted out for official and social e-visits, increasing the risk of coronavirus transmission to other sections of Melaleuca.

It also meant other prisoners could not use those areas at the same time and the shared areas had to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected by specially trained prisoners after each visit.

These disruptions used to happen up to ten times a day, making it more difficult for the rest of the prisoners to access e-visits.

Prison Superintendent Michael Heslington said maintaining strict COVID-19 protocols required more time and reduced the number of e-visits which could be offered to prisoners.

“These visits are an integral part of maintaining support for these women and keeping them connected with the community,” he said.

Assistant Superintendent Ian Farrall and Principal Officer Matt Boyd have been credited with the idea of introducing the video link to computers within the isolation wing.

Melaleuca is the first prison in Western Australia to have this special facility and it’s been so successful, work has begun on similar computer stations in the prison’s Crisis Care Unit.