The Office of the Inspectorate has expressed a lack of confidence in the Corrections Department's use of segregation and solitary confinement behind bars.
A scathing report has uncovered multiple issues with the way segregation is used and reveals thousands of prisoners have been subject to the practices.
The Inspectorate's Office, in its Separation and Isolation Thematic Report, found a "significant number" of inmates have faced long lock-up times - some in excess of two weeks.
Some prisoners were even kept in solitary for several months - in some cases for more than a year.
In the year to September 30, 2021, there were 5655 prisoners recorded as spending a period in isolation - 29 percent of the total prison population.
Chief Inspector Janis Adair said the effects of segregation demanded "the closest of scrutiny by oversight agencies".
Inspectors visited 18 prisons between January 11 and June 30, 2022, as part of the investigation.
"At some sites, prisoners were kept locked in the afternoon, while staff completed administrative tasks, with little consideration given to unlocking them," the report said.
"The prisoners would remain in their cells throughout the afternoon and evenings, with little opportunity for social interaction except when the evening meal was delivered or when the nurses conducted the medication rounds. At one site, the observation flaps on the cell doors were kept closed during the afternoons and evenings."
Staff told inspectors this was to "avoid over-stimulating the prisoners". However, the report said this actually "risked amplifying the sense of isolation experienced by the prisoners".
The report said some prisoners in isolation were only allowed one five-minute phone call per week.
"Such practices likely increase the risk that prisoners will experience solitary confinement.
"Given that telephone calls may be one of the few opportunities for meaningful human interaction for segregated prisoners, we consider Corrections should facilitate greater access to telephone calls during periods when they are isolated from other prisoners."
Prisoners said they faced many challenges not being able to speak with anyone for long periods of time.
One inmate, who was isolated for his own safety, told inspectors "even a little conversation… can change a man's whole frame of mind".
"Mentally it reminds me of being forced into a cupboard when I was in foster care," another prisoner told inspectors.
"I didn't have any mental health support when I was in [isolation]… just in my own mind which can be a dangerous place."
Overall, the Inspectorate's Office found "segregated and at-risk prisoners, across the prison network, had limited opportunities for social interaction".
In response to the report, Corrections chief custodial officer Neal Beales said he recognised the challenges involved in segregating prisoners.
"Work has already commenced on a long-term, system-wide plan for enduring change that recognises the potential risks that prolonged isolation can have on people.
"Our prison directors have also committed to making short-term improvements and long-term gains.
"As stated in the report, removing a prisoner from the mainstream prison population and using segregation is a legitimate tool of prison management.
"However, the chief inspector is right to conclude that the administration of segregation, including recordkeeping and reporting and the existence of a robust assurance framework, alongside clinical involvement in how segregated and at-risk prisoners are managed are areas which we must address."
Actions Corrections would take in the next six months included putting an interim escalation system in place and giving targeted support to custodial systems managers, Beales said.
"While the choices we make have a significant impact on people in prison, every decision is made to prioritise their safety and wellbeing.
"Our staff do an incredibly difficult job with respect and dedication. They are responsible for working with some of the most challenging people in society and they take appropriate and necessary steps to preserve the safety and lives of these prisoners.
"They have obligations to public safety, the safety of their colleagues and the welfare of prisoners that can at times lead to very difficult choices with very limited options. However, it is right that we take the time now to recognise that we can, and should, always strive to do better."
