NSW Department of Corrective Services Commissioner, Peter Severin, has responded to the publication of James Phelps newly released book based on Long Bay. In particular, the commissioner has taken exception to the story that was published in last weeks Sunday Telegraph and has sent the following broadcast to DCS employees. Whilst the commissioners actions appear commendable and I congratulate his defence of the departments reputation I am concerned that he has taken the opportunity to make a veiled threat at correctional officers. Dear Colleagues, I am writing to share with you my disgust with the stereotyping of our officers that occurred yesterday in the Sunday Telegraph. The story by author James Phelps claimed that years ago Long Bay officers “dished out jailhouse justice” by assaulting inmates Bilal Skaf and Dennis Ferguson. The allegations are from Phelps’ book and he did not inform Corrective Services NSW of the this before publication. In a video made to promote his book, Mr Phelps describes Prison Officers (he uses the term ‘guards’) as the “unsung heroes” of the corrections system. That is a sentiment I share, and it is not consistent with portraying those officers as thugs who take the law into their own hands. I note that Mr Phelps does not name the sources provides for his allegations. I know that our Prison Officers are a decent and highly professional group of women and men, for whom the very idea of taking the law into their own hands is abhorrent. Of course I also acknowledge that we need to deal with inappropriate workplace behaviour and would not tolerate actions like the ones alleged in the article. I have requested our Media Unit to obtain a copy of the book to see if there are other incorrect and exaggerated stories and determine what possible action should be taken in response. Regards Peter Severin Commissioner Corrective Services New South Wales GPO Box 31 Sydney, 2001 Australia
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 23:52:50 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015