What policies, procedures, or guidance does the Department of Corrections have for requests for two Electronic Monitoring Field Officers, or for a Field Officer of a particular gender, to attend a private residence, if any? and 4 other questions

Answer

I am advised that, before field officers can provide services, Corrections must be satisfied that they have completed all required training and undergone all necessary vetting, security, probity, and suitability checks. This includes criminal conviction checks, Children's Act safety checks (where applicable) and Ministry of Justice conviction checks. They are also required to hold a current Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) Certificate of Approval and a current driver licence. Required training includes the Corrections’ Code of Conduct, site-specific risk assessment and health and safety requirements, and any other training necessary to perform their duties safely, lawfully, and appropriately. Providers must also immediately notify Corrections if they become aware that a staff member has been charged with or convicted of a criminal offence. I am also advised that the contracted providers are required to deliver services safely, comply with health and safety legislation, implement risk management processes, investigate incidents and complaints, and respect the privacy and dignity of all individuals encountered during service delivery. Field officers must comply with all applicable health and safety, human rights, and privacy obligations when carrying out services. I am also advised that there is not a contractual requirement for two electronic monitoring field officers, or a field officer of a particular gender, to attend a private residence. The standard practice for electronic monitoring field services is for a single field officer to attend installations, maintenance visits, equipment removals, feasibility checks, and responses to alerts at private residences. However, people subject to electronic monitoring may request attendance by a field officer of a particular gender. Where such a request is made, Corrections seeks to accommodate it where operationally practicable and direct the service provider accordingly. Corrections also has discretion to determine whether an activity should be undertaken at a Community Corrections site or Police station, or whether it is appropriate for two field officers to attend a private residence. I am further advised that, as part of the Electronic Monitoring assessment process, a probation officer completes an assessment of the proposed address and its occupants. This includes consideration of any risks associated with the residence, the people living there, and the safe operation of Electronic Monitoring. A health and safety assessment is also undertaken, and relevant risks are documented and considered. The outcome of these assessments informs recommendations to the Court, which ultimately determines whether Electronic Monitoring is approved. I am advised that electronic monitoring is only installed where the required consent has been obtained from both the person subject to monitoring and relevant occupants of the residence. Occupants are provided with information about the electronic monitoring process, including the role of field officers attending the property and the implications of electronic monitoring within the home. Occupants may decline to provide consent or withdraw their consent at any time. I am also advised that information gathered is included in the Provision of Advice to Court report, and the suitability report informs the Court's decision about whether Electronic Monitoring is appropriate at a particular address. If concerns relating to safety, wellbeing, vulnerability, or personal circumstances are identified, Corrections will consider whether the activity can be undertaken at a Community Corrections site or Police station before considering the deployment of two Field Officers to a private residence.