Gas chamber used in Australia
Probe on prisoner asthma death - From: AAP - By Jamie Duncan November 30, 2005
VICTORIA'S prison cell emergency intercoms will be checked after the death of a prisoner at a privately run Melbourne jail.
Three investigations have been launched into the death of the 55-year-old found in his cell on Saturday morning at the Port Phillip Prison on Melbourne's western outskirts.
The investigations follow reports on Southern Cross Radio that he died from an asthma attack after an emergency intercom in his cell failed.
Corrections Commissioner Kelvin Anderson today confirmed the death and said the operation of the cell intercom would be investigated.
"The coroner, police and the independent Corrections Inspectorate are investigating," Mr Anderson said today.
"We take seriously any death in custody, and are particularly mindful of the emotions the family must be going through.
"Our sympathies are with the family at this time," he said.
"Until this interim report is complete I can not speculate any further (although) ... I can advise that the investigations will look at the functionality of the cell intercom system."
All intercoms in prison cells will be tested to ensure they are working, he said.
The prison is operated by a private company, GSL Custodial Services.
"We can confirm there was a death at the prison on Saturday but we cannot comment further because the matter is in the hands of the police and the coroner," company spokesman Tim Hall said.
Mr Hall would not comment on the status of the emergency call button in the cell.
Opposition corrections spokesman Richard Dalla-Riva said the Government should fully explain the processes that had been followed to show the death was not suspicious.
"The Government has professed its greatness over implementing the requirements of its stringent (safety) systems in each of its new cells but it appears as if the emergency systems have not worked and they have failed to implement those procedures."
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said the death would be investigated.
"Any death of anybody in custody is a great tragedy," she said.
Federation of Community Legal Centres executive director Pauline Spencer called for a thorough inquiry.
"If the prisoner has not been able to access medical attention there has been a systemic failure to protect the prisoner," she said.
"We have to ensure that prisoners locked in their cells are guaranteed safety."
Two stabbings are also under investigation in the private run prison system.
VICTORIA'S prison cell emergency intercoms will be checked after the death of a prisoner at a privately run Melbourne jail.
Three investigations have been launched into the death of the 55-year-old found in his cell on Saturday morning at the Port Phillip Prison on Melbourne's western outskirts.
The investigations follow reports on Southern Cross Radio that he died from an asthma attack after an emergency intercom in his cell failed.
Corrections Commissioner Kelvin Anderson today confirmed the death and said the operation of the cell intercom would be investigated.
"The coroner, police and the independent Corrections Inspectorate are investigating," Mr Anderson said today.
"We take seriously any death in custody, and are particularly mindful of the emotions the family must be going through.
"Our sympathies are with the family at this time," he said.
"Until this interim report is complete I can not speculate any further (although) ... I can advise that the investigations will look at the functionality of the cell intercom system."
All intercoms in prison cells will be tested to ensure they are working, he said.
The prison is operated by a private company, GSL Custodial Services.
"We can confirm there was a death at the prison on Saturday but we cannot comment further because the matter is in the hands of the police and the coroner," company spokesman Tim Hall said.
Mr Hall would not comment on the status of the emergency call button in the cell.
Opposition corrections spokesman Richard Dalla-Riva said the Government should fully explain the processes that had been followed to show the death was not suspicious.
"The Government has professed its greatness over implementing the requirements of its stringent (safety) systems in each of its new cells but it appears as if the emergency systems have not worked and they have failed to implement those procedures."
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said the death would be investigated.
"Any death of anybody in custody is a great tragedy," she said.
Federation of Community Legal Centres executive director Pauline Spencer called for a thorough inquiry.
"If the prisoner has not been able to access medical attention there has been a systemic failure to protect the prisoner," she said.
"We have to ensure that prisoners locked in their cells are guaranteed safety."
Two stabbings are also under investigation in the private run prison system.
posted by professor rat at 10:10 PM
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