Corrective Services NSW
Operations
Procedures Manual
Section: D.10
Cells with cell-door hatch (normal accommodation areas)
Summary
This policy gives guidance on the use of cell door hatches in normal
accommodation areas.
TRIM Reference
Published (date)
Authorised by
Next review date
13/255979
May 2014
Assistant Commissioner, Custodial Corrections
2016
Custodial Policy & Procedures Unit
Corrective Services NSW
Level 5 Henry Deane Building
20 Lee Street
Sydney 2000
Australia
Telephone +61 2 83461333
D.10 Cells with cell-door hatch (normal accommodation areas)
Table of Contents
1.
POLICY STATEMENT ......................................................................................... 3
1.1.
What it aims to achieve ................................................................................... 3
1.2.
When it applies ................................................................................................ 3
2.
IMPLEMENTING THE POLICY ............................................................................ 3
3.
Checklists.......................................................................................................... 4
4.
Annexures ........................................................................................................ 4
5.
Related policy................................................................................................... 4
6.
Document history ............................................................................................ 4
7.
Statement of statutory compliance ................................................................. 4
Custodial Policy & Procedures
Corrective Services NSW. Custodial Policy & Procedures Unit
Page 2 of 4
D.10 Cells with cell-door hatch (normal accommodation areas)
1. POLICY STATEMENT
Cells with a cell door hatch (CDH) are used to provide efficient and easy access to
inmates for various reasons, such as:
•
•
•
•
delivery of evening meals;
provision of personal and cell items;
dispensation of medication; and
access to handcuffing.
The use of the CDH prevents the need to open the cell door.
1.1.
What it aims to achieve
This policy aims to enhance security in correctional centres and enhance staff safety
during normal and after-hours operational routine.
1.2.
When it applies
This policy applies to all correctional centres and accommodation areas where cell door
hatches have been installed.
2. IMPLEMENTING THE POLICY
The CDH is to be used when it is not necessary to open the cell door itself, except in
cases of emergency. The decision to open a cell door, instead of using the CDH will be
made by the Officer in Charge or the Night Senior, with notification to the Manager
Security.
A CDH must remain closed and locked when not being used for a specific purpose.
If the cell door has a visual panel, the inmate(s) should be observed through the panel
prior to opening the CDH. The identity of the inmate must also be checked against the
cell card. An instruction should be given that the CDH is about to be opened and that
the inmate is not to approach the open CDH unless instructed by a correctional officer.
The correctional officer opening the CDH is to ensure that the key is retrieved from the
lock prior to the CDH being completely opened. No part of the officer’s face or body
should be directly in front of the hatch as it is being opened.
The correctional officer must remain alert to security and safety risks. This includes, as
well as loss of key control, opportunities for the inmate to grab the officer’s hands or
clothing through the CDH, to grab an object held by the officer or to throw an object
through the CDH opening. Officers must remain particularly vigilant to hostile acts (e.g.
throwing/spitting etc.) when speaking to an inmate through an open CDH or
handcuffing or removing handcuffs through an open CDH. At no time will an officer
place their hands/arms through the hatch. Instead, the inmate is to be asked to extend
their hands/arms through the hatch to receive an item or be handcuffed etc.
When closing the CDH the officer must carefully check that the CDH is clear of any
hands, fingers or other objects and a warning given to the inmate to stand clear as the
CDH is closed.
Staff responsible for locking an inmate in their cell must also check that the CDH is in
the closed (upright) position and locked when securing the inmate in their cell.
Custodial Policy & Procedures
Corrective Services NSW. Custodial Policy & Procedures Unit
Page 3 of 4
D.10 Cells with cell-door hatch (normal accommodation areas)
Any defects observed to a CDH are to be immediately brought to the attention of the
most senior officer on duty who shall notify the Manager Security.
3. Checklists
Title or description
There are no checklists for this policy
4. Annexures
Number
Title or description
There are no annexures to this policy
5. Related policy
Document
Custodial Policy &
Procedures
6. Document history
Version Date
1.0
May 2014
Section
Daily Operations &
Activities
Topic
D.1 Musters, let go and lock in
D.2 Inmate accommodation and cells –
safety & security
Reference
Initial version published as per
ACCC Memorandum 2014/21
Scheduled for review
2016
7. Statement of statutory compliance
This document is consistent with the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 and
the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Regulation 2008 as at May 2014.
Amendments and changes to the policy are set out in the document history.
Custodial Policy & Procedures
Corrective Services NSW. Custodial Policy & Procedures Unit
Page 4 of 4