Deputy Commissioner’s Instructions

The Deputy Commissioner’s Instructions are a guide for the operations of public prisons only. They should be followed by all prison staff in public prisons.

There are 4 sections in the Instructions:

• Security and control
• Prisoner management
• Programs and industry
• Prisoner services

Scroll down for a full list of items that are available to the public under each topic.

Access: the Deputy Commissioner’s Instructions is a public document and is available on the Corrections Victoria website. You can request access to the Instructions from prison staff or see if it is available in your prison library.

Part 1 – Security and Control

1.01 – Safety and Security

1.03 – Radio Network and Communications

1.04 – Contraband and Controlled Items

1.05 – Searches and Patrols

1.06 – Keys, Locks and Electronic Access Cards

1.07 – Dangerous Goods, Tools, Equipment and Materials

1.08 – Contractors in Prisons

1.09 – Preservation of Evidence

1.10 – Security – Prisoners

1.11 – Reception, Care and Control of Prisoners

1.16 – Disciplinary Process

1.17 – Separation Regimes

1.20 – Deaths in prison

1.21 – Taking Forensic Samples from Prisoners

1.24 – Surveillance, Taping Protocols and Retention Periods

1.25 – Fire Safety Prevention Preparedness Response and Recovery

Part 2 – Prisoner Management

2.01 – Discharge of Prisoners

2.02 Prisoner Placement and Reviews

2.03 – Offender Management

2.04 – Voluntary Starvation – Refusal of Food and/or Fluids

2.05 – Orientation

2.07 – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Prisoners

2.08 – Prisoners with disability

2.09 – Prisoners from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds

2.11 – Prisoner Records Management

2.14 – Prisoner Voting

2.15 – Infection Control in Prisons

2.16 – Smoke-Free Work Environment

Part 3 – Programs and Industry

3.01 – Education and Training

3.03 – Prison Industries

3.04 – Visits – Personal – Professional – Adult Parole Board

3.06 – Fitness, Sport and Recreation

3.07 – Religion

3.08 – Programs Designed to Reduce Offending Behaviour – General

3.09 – Programs Designed to Reduce Offending Behaviour – Substance Deterrence and Treatment

3.10 – Programs Designed to Reduce Offending Behaviour – Detection and Testing – Drug and Alcohol Use

3.12 – Programs Designed to Reduce Offending Behaviour – Violence Interventions

3.17 – Peer Listener Support for Prisoners

Part 4 – Prisoner Services

4.01 – Requests and complaints

4.02 – Independent Prison Visitors

4.03 – Food

4.04 – Hygiene

4.05 – Prisoners’ Bedding

4.06 – Prisoner Clothing

4.07 – Prisoner Communications

4.08 – Prisoner Property

4.08A – Prisoner Property – Pornographic and Objectionable Material

4.09 – Prisoner Monies

4.10 – Prisoner Shop

4.12 – Prison Volunteers and Student Placements

4.13 – Opioid Substitution Therapy Program

4.15 – Forensic Intervention Services – Critical Incident Support for Prisoners

4.16 – Prisoner Access to Videotapes and DVDs

4.17 – Communication Protocol Between Health and Forensic Intervention Services