Step 1: Investigation by a disciplinary officer

If a prison officer thinks you have broken a rule or committed a prison offence, they will write a report and give it to a “disciplinary officer”.

The disciplinary officer is a prison officer that has been given training to investigate and charge people with prison offences. This is usually the security supervisor or a supervisor who is not a witness or involved in the alleged prison offence.

If the disciplinary officer receives a report about you, they must do a “proper investigation”, which includes:

• Reviewing the report from the prison officer
• Interviewing staff and witnesses involved
• Getting any additional evidence, if necessary
• Interviewing you, telling you the allegation and recording your response
• Check any relevant prison registers
• Consider whether you have any special needs or circumstances

Important:

• Disciplinary officers must tell you what you have been accused of with enough detail so you can respond.
• Disciplinary officers must give you a chance to explain your side of the story.
• If English is not your first language, disciplinary officers must provide an interpreter for any discussion with you about the allegation.