When can I be separated?

Corrections Victoria provides a list of reasons that a person can be isolated or completely separated from other people in prison. Scroll down to see the list of reasons.

Important: Just because you fall under one of these reasons, does not mean the separation is lawful. The decision to separate you must follow the law. For more information on the laws that must be followed for separation, use the link on the left side of this page.

A decision to separate you must also be consistent with your rights under the Victorian Human Rights Charter, including:

• The right to humane treatment when deprived of liberty
• The right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment

For more information on your rights under the Victorian Human Rights Charter, click here.

The list of reasons for complete separation from other people in prison comes from part 1.17 of the Deputy Commissioner’s Instructions. They are:

• Emergency short-term placements (these should last for no more than 24 hours) for the safe custody and welfare of people in prison and the security of the prison:
• To cool off following a minor incident that does not necessarily require a disciplinary response
• To await transfer to another prison
• To be placed in a safe environment until appropriate accommodation becomes available
• To provide safety for someone in need of protection while a decision is made about how to protect that person
• Lock downs caused by staff shortages, security issues, industrial action, etc
• So that urine samples can be taken in private
• In accordance with the Media Assessment and Escalation Protocol
• Full Loss of Privileges (LOPs) because of disciplinary proceedings (important: this cannot exceed 30 days)
• Short Term Management (less than 30 days) for the following purposes:
  • While a person is waiting for a decision from Sentence Management about Long Term Management
  • While waiting for the investigation of an incident
• During particular stages of Incentive Based Regimes (IBRs)
• Intermediate unit regime for the purpose of behavioural intervention
• Intermediate prison regimes (classified placement in Barwon, DPFC, Fulham, MAP or MRC)
• Medical/Psychiatric: for people whose own safety is at risk while they wait for a medical or psychiatric review. This can only be for a time decided by a doctor or medical staff)