Prisons and probation

The Alice Springs Correctional Centre (ASCC) holds prisoners of all security levels and with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Visitors

Find out about the rules for visiting a prisoner and how to book a visit.

How to get there

The prison is 25km south of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway.

There is no public transport from Monday to Friday. You must use your own transport or catch a taxi.

You can take a bus to the prison on Saturday and Sunday from the Hospital Lawns. Call 08 8951 8943 to find out what times the bus leaves.

Contact

PO Box 56
Alice Springs NT 0871
Phone: 08 8951 8911

The Barkly Work Camp is a low-security correctional work camp on Peko Road, two kilometres from Tennant Creek town centre.

It holds open-security prisoners. No sex offenders or prisoners of public interest are placed at the work camp.

All prisoners must be medically fit and have completed all necessary programs before being considered for placement.

Visitors

Find out how to visit a prisoner and more information on visiting times, rules and how to book a visit.

Programs

All prisoners are required to follow a strict regime which includes giving back to the community through community enhancements, maintenance and beautification projects.

The work camp educates and rehabilitates prisoners through training, education, employment and support programs.

How to get there

There is no public transport to the Barkly Work Camp.

You can walk, ride a bike or catch a taxi to the work camp.

Contact details

PO Box 1245
Tennant Creek NT 0861
Phone: 08 8962 4548 – after 1pm from Monday to Friday
Fax: 08 8942 6832
barklyworkcamp.ntcs@nt.gov.au

Northern Territory (NT) businesses have the opportunity to get involved in the NT’s Correctional Industries program.

What the program involves

The program involves prisoners working within NT correctional facilities to provide products for self-sustainability, as well as for external businesses and organisations.

Prisoners are given opportunities in training and employment that will help them transit into paid employment after prison. This is considered to be one of the critical factors in reducing re-offending.

Partnering with local businesses

NT Correctional Industries is looking for opportunities to partner with local private businesses.

This includes opportunities to grow local capacity and compete with interstate and overseas suppliers that bring the benefits directly to NT business and the economy.

The program can offer businesses work-ready, reliable workers that address skill shortages. The program also includes modern workshops for prisoners.

The Correctional Industries Advisory Council monitors the development and operation of Correctional Industries projects to ensure that they function prudently and sensitively in parallel with private sector businesses.

Contact Correctional Industries about business opportunities

To find out more about Correctional Industries contact the Northern Territory Industries and Employment enquiry line on 1300 682 400.

About the Correctional Industries Advisory Council

The council includes representatives from all of the following:

• peak employer bodies
• Unions NT
• training organisations
• the Chamber of Commerce
• other government departments and community representatives.

Watch estories in Indigenous languages (and English) about following the rules of the judge after jail and after court.

• Arrernte
• Djambarrpuyngu
• ES Kriol
• Kunwinjka
• Murrinh Patha
• Warlpiri
• Warumunga
• Western Arrarnta
• English.

A community custody order is considered to be a sentence of imprisonment, but allows the offender to serve their time in the community.

The community custody order requires intensive supervision by a probation and parole officer and participation in community work and programs, treatment or training. 

These orders can be in place for up to 12 months. Someone on a community custody order will be required to:

• follow all reasonable directions of the probation and parole officer
• report to and receive visits from their officer at least twice a week
• attend programs or counselling as directed by the probation and parole officer
• complete 12 hours of community work each week
• follow all other conditions set by the court.

Someone on a community custody order must not:

• break the law while on the order
• leave the Northern Territory (NT) without permission from the probation and parole officer
• breach the conditions of the order.

After the court places someone on a community custody order

After sentencing the court will give the offender a copy of their court order which will outline the conditions the offender must comply with.

The person must report to the Community Corrections Office named on the order within 2 working days.

When the offender reports to the Community Corrections Office they will be assigned a probation and parole officer.

When you meet with the officer they will:

• go through the order with the offender to make sure they understand it
• explain the conditions the offender must comply with
• provide the details of when and where they will attend community work
• if the offender has a condition to attend programs or counselling the probation and parole officer will provide the details of when and where they will attend
• help the offender develop a plan to follow the conditions of their order.

If the offender can’t attend the meeting

If an offender can’t attend a community work session, a program or an appointment it is their responsibility to notify the probation and parole officer immediately.

The offender will be required to provide evidence such as a doctor’s certificate or letter from their employer.

If the offender doesn't follow the order

If an offender doesn’t follow the conditions of the order, the probation and parole officer will investigate what has happened and the offender may have to return to court to explain their actions.

If the officer tells you that you have to go back to court you could be sent to prison so you should contact your lawyer, they will explain your options and what the court might decide.

Court-appointed programs

Programs can help offenders make changes in their life and reduce the risk of re-offending.

Programs have been developed to provide help with gambling, drugs, alcohol, money problems or mental illness.

Community work

Community work is an important part of the community custody order. It is an opportunity for the person to make amends to the community.

This is done by completing work that is of benefit to the community.

If someone can't meet conditions of the order

An offender can apply to the court at any time during the order period for the order to be revoked and another penalty substituted.

Contact your lawyer to discuss your options and make an application to the court.

Other languages

Watch estories in the following languages:

• Arrernte
• Djambarrpuyngu
• ES Kriol
• Kunwinjka
• Murrinh Patha
• Warlpiri
• Warumunga
• Western Arrarnta
• English.

A community order sentences an offender to take part in rehabilitation programs, medical treatment or unpaid community work for up to 2 years.

Depending on what type of order, they must also follow other certain conditions.

These conditions may include:

• supervision from a probation and parole officer including visits
• electronic monitoring
• drug and alcohol testing
• a curfew.

This does not apply to youths.

Types of orders

The following orders may apply to offenders sentenced:

• before 25 March 2024:
  • community-based order
  • community custody order
  • community work order
  • good behaviour order
  • home detention order
• after 25 March 2024:
  • community correction order - non-custodial alternative to imprisonment
  • intensive community correction order - custodial order for serious offences and supervision required.

What they can't do while on the order

An offender must not:

• break the law or the conditions their order
• leave the Northern Territory without permission from their probation and parole officer

If a condition is breached

If an offender doesn’t follow the conditions of their order, their probation and parole officer will investigate what’s happened.

The person may have to return to court to explain their actions.

If they must go back to court, they should talk to their lawyer to understand the process and what to expect.

If offender can’t attend community work

If an offender can’t attend community work, a program or an appointment, they must notify their probation and parole officer immediately.

They will have to provide evidence such as a medical certificate or letter from their employer.

Information in different languages

You can also watch videos of this information in the following languages:

• Arrernte
• Djambarrpuyngu
• ES Kriol
• Kunwinjka
• Murrinh Patha
• Warlpiri
• Warumunga
• Western Arrarnta
• English.

A community work order is a sentence that requires offenders to complete unpaid work which is of benefit to the community.

If a person is placed on a community work order they are required to:

• follow all reasonable directions of the probation and parole officer
• perform community work in a satisfactory manner as directed
• finish the community work hours within the time frame written on the order
• tell their officer if they change address within 2 working days
• follow all other conditions set by the court.

If a person is placed on a community work order they must not:

• break the law while on the order
• leave the Northern Territory (NT) without permission from the probation and parole officer
• breach the conditions of their order.

After the court places someone on a community work order

After sentencing the court will give the offender a copy of their court order which will outline community work hours and the time frame for completion.

The person must report to their local Community Corrections office within 2 working days.

When the offender reports to the Community Corrections office they will be assigned a probation and parole officer.

Their officer will explain the conditions of the order offender and provide them with a work schedule which will ensure that they complete the community work hours in the allocated time frame.

Getting to the work site

It is the offender's responsibility to make their way to the work site.

If they think they will have problems getting to the site they should tell the probation and parole officer as soon as possible.

If a person can't attend

If an offender can’t attend a community work session, a program or an appointment it is their responsibility to notify their probation and parole officer immediately.

The offender will be required to provide evidence such as a doctor’s certificate or letter from their employer.

If the person doesn't follow the order

If an offender doesn’t follow the conditions of the order, the probation and parole officer will investigate what has happened and the offender may have to return to court to explain their actions.

If the officer tells you that you have to go back to court you should contact your lawyer. Your lawyer will explain your options and what the court might decide.

If the person can't meet the conditions of your order

An offender can apply to the court at any time during the order period for the order to be revoked and another penalty substituted. Contact your lawyer to discuss your options and make an application to the court.

Other languages

Watch estories in the following languages:

• Arrernte
• Djambarrpuyngu
• ES Kriol
• Kunwinjka
• Murrinh Patha
• Warlpiri
• Warumunga
• Western Arrarnta
• English.

Darwin Correctional Precinct is the main correctional facility for the Northern Territory. It provides a safe and secure facility for:

• people in its care
• staff and visitors.

It has 1048 beds for both male and female of all security ratings.

The facility has been designed to give prisoners the best chance of rehabilitation and reintegration through education and employment programs.

The centre includes the Complex Behaviour Unit and a Pre-Release Work village.

Complex Behaviour Unit

The unit accommodates:

• offenders with mental health, disability and behavioural support needs
• supervised person's placed on custodial supervision orders who have been found unfit to plead or are not guilty of an indictable offence due to mental impairment.

Pre-Release Work Village

Prisoners with open classifications can transition to the village to work during the day. They will participate in structured education and development programs back at the centre in the evening.

The village provides real life experiences in the workforce to help prisoners transition back in to the community.

Prisoners can also develop skills in trade and employment through the Sentenced to a Job program.

Find out more information on Sentenced to a Job by going to employing prisoners in your business.

Visiting a prisoner

Find out about the rules for visiting a prisoner and how to book a visit.

Biometric security system

All visitors over 18 years of age must provide finger prints and get an eye scan on arrival.

Find out more about fingerprint and eye scanning.

How to get there

The Darwin Correctional Centre is located on Willard Road, Holtze. It is approximately 30 kilometres from Darwin.

There is no public transport available.

The Salvation Army has resumed its shuttle bus service to the Darwin Correctional Centre. For more information, call 08 8945 1947.

Find out more about how to get there.

Smoking is prohibited

All Northern Territory Correctional Services facilities are tobacco and smoke free.

You cannot smoke anywhere on the grounds. This includes car parks and walkways.

You cannot bring with you:

• cigarettes and other smoking related products
• cigarette lighters
• matches
• papers and filters.

You can keep them in your vehicle while you visit.

If you don’t follow this rule, you may be:

• asked to leave the prison
• suspended or refused visit access approval.

Contact details

Darwin Correctional Centre 
PO Box 1066
Howard Springs NT 0835

325 Willard Road, Holtze (off Gunn Point Road)
Howard Springs NT 0829
Phone: 08 8901 4141

gm.dcp@nt.gov.au

Information hotline

If you have any information that may be of interest to the Darwin Correctional Centre, you can call 1800 682 377 and leave an anonymous message.

The Datjala Work Camp is located on the outskirts of Nhulunbuy on Bottlebrush Avenue.

It accommodates up to 50 open-security male prisoners who have been sentenced or are on remand. No sex offenders or prisoners of public interest are considered for placement.

Programs

All prisoners are required to follow a strict regime which includes giving back to the community through community enhancements, maintenance and beautification projects.

The work camp educates and rehabilitates prisoners through training, education, employment and support programs.

Visitors

Find out how to visit a prisoner including information on visiting times, rules and how to book a visit.

How to get there

There is no public transport to the Datjala Work Camp. You must use your own transport, walk or catch a taxi to the facility.

Contact

Lot 1671 Bottlebrush Avenue
Nhulunbuy NT 0880
datjalaworkcamp.ntdcs@nt.gov.au

PO Box 2095
Nhulunbuy NT 0881

Phone: 08 8987 0150

Many Aboriginal prisoners have not spoken to an Elder in years due to lifestyle and substance abuse problems.

Aboriginal prisoners represent around 85% of the entire Northern Territory (NT) prison population.

The Elders Visiting Program involves Elders regularly visiting prisoners in Darwin, Alice Springs, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek to take a new direction in their lives and develop plans after their release.

The program is also an important cultural link between Aboriginal prisoners and correctional services staff.

Elders are able to advise staff on cultural and community issues which may affect a prisoner's behaviour or their ability to address re-offending.

They are also an important link to managing Aboriginal offenders and visit correctional facilities regularly to work with and participate in activities with prisoners.

What Elders help with

Elders can help with all of the following:

• family and community issues such as deaths in the family
• release planning
• cultural advice
• planning cultural development programs and events
• liaising between the offender, corrections staff and other agencies.

They also keep the community informed about the prisoner’s progress, address employment issues and help improve the ratio of Aboriginal people in custody.

Where Elders visit from

Elders involved in this program are committed to addressing the negative impact the high rates of Aboriginal imprisonment has on communities.

Elders visits from the following places.

Katherine region:

• Lajamanu
• Beswick
• Kalkarindji
• Katherine
• Ngukurr.

Saltwater / Gulf:

• Tiwi Islands
• Groote Eylandt
• East Arnhem.

Barkly / Central:

• Yuendumu
• Hermannsburg
• Barkly region.

For more information on the Elders Visiting Program, email enquiries.ntdcs@nt.gov.au.

Electronic monitoring is another way to  manage and monitor offenders in the community and in some cases keep them out of jail.

How it works

Offenders wear a small device attached to their ankle.

This device keeps track of their location and reports this information back to their probation and parole officer.

They can use this information to make sure the offender is doing the right thing and in the place they are supposed to be.

If the offender is not where they should be, the probation and parole officer can take action quickly.

Who can be placed on electronic monitoring

Electronic monitoring can be used on offenders who must stay in a certain place and not leave such as those on home detention or a curfew.

It can also be suitable for offenders who are not allowed to go near certain places, for example a park, school or the house of a friend who has caused trouble for the offender.

Not all offenders with these conditions will be placed on electronic monitoring.

A probation and parole officer will do an assessment to see if an offender is suitable for electronic monitoring.

It is important that there is good phone and satellite signal in the area where the offender lives, and there is a suitable place for the equipment to be installed.

Fitting the device

A staff member from Community Corrections will meet the offender, usually at their home, and will fit the electronic monitoring device to their ankle.

They will explain how electronic monitoring works and make sure the offender understands the boundaries of where they have to stay.

They will test the equipment so they are sure it is giving accurate information about where the offender is.

What offenders must do

They must do all of the following:

• allow Community Corrections into their house to install the equipment, check it and remove it when their sentence is over
• stay where the court or probation and parole officer has told them to stay - an electronic boundary can be set around the home or premises and the offender must not go outside that boundary unless the probation and parole officer approves
• keep the electronic monitoring device's battery charged.

They must not:

• damage, shake or move the equipment installed in the house
• try and take the device off their ankle.

If an offender does tamper with the equipment, a message is sent to the probation and parole officer who will decide what to do.

If the offender doesn't follow the order

If an offender doesn’t follow their conditions, including electronic monitoring, the probation and parole officer will investigate and the offender may have to return to court to explain their actions.

If the probation and parole officer tells you that you have to go back to court they should contact their lawyer, they will explain the process and what the court might decide.

Other languages

Watch estories in the following languages:

• Arrernte
• Djambarrpuyngu
• ES Kriol
• Kunwinjka
• Murrinh Patha
• Warlpiri
• Warumunga
• Western Arrarnta
• English.

The General Offender Program (GOP) helps participants reintegrate into society through structured rehabilitation.

It draws on social learning and cognitive-behavioural therapy with strengths-based and trauma-informed practices.

This program is open to moderate-risk men over 18 including those on community-based orders, parole, or suspended sentences.

GOP is held over 3 months, twice weekly, with 8 to 12 participants. It is broken up into the following 5 parts:

• cultural maintenance
• life story exploration,
• understanding the offence cycle
• building connections
• planning for the future.

This page provides basic information for offenders going to prison in the Northern Territory (NT).

Entering prison and classification

When the prisoner arrives in prison the details of their warrant will be checked and transferred to the prison file.

A warrant is a document from the court which has the details of the sentence the court has given them.

Their personal property will be taken from them, and they will be given prison clothes to wear.

They will also be searched, photographed and given an ID card with their classification.

Classification

The prisoner's classification will determine which section of the prison they are taken to.

They will usually be first classified as high security, but this may change soon after they arrive. They can be reclassified during their time.

There are 5 classifications:

• maximum security
• high security
• medium security
• low security
• open security.

There are different rules for each classification, and it will determine whether they are allowed to leave prison for work or be granted day leave.

What they can bring and wear

The prisoner cannot bring personal possessions into prison.

They will be given basic goods such as toothbrushes, toothpaste soap and coffee and tea.

They will be issued with prison clothes to wear.

Hair must be kept short and tidy and beards are not usually allowed, unless there are special medical or religious reasons.

Tobacco is not allowed on the premises and is considered to be contraband.

Privileges

The prisoner is allowed privileges in prison if they behave well.

If they don’t obey the rules in prison they can have their privileges withdrawn.

These can include all or some of the following:

• watching TV, films, audio tapes or listening to music
• telephone calls
• using the library
• taking leave.

Leave

Leave may be granted by the superintendent for funerals or a birth, medical treatment or education and training.

Community safety is extremely important.

The prisoner will have to submit a leave request. Whether they are granted leave depends on their record, classification and behaviour.

Visitors

The prisoner's classification will determine all of the following:

• how many visits they can have
• the type of visits
• how long visitors can stay.

Visits are usually held in the visiting area. The prisoner will sit opposite the visitor.

The prisoner may be restricted to shorter non-contact visits that are held in another part of the prison and behind a glass partition.

Go to visiting a prisoner to find out more information about visits.

Money and buying things

Any money will be placed in a trust account. Money earned by the prisoner or sent to them will also go into their  trust account.

They can buy other items with the money earned in prison, but there is a limit to how much they can buy.

They will be given a list of things that can be kept in their cell.

They may be allowed to buy some personal items such as a TV or radio, depending on the prison. They cannot give or swap property with other prisoners.

Making phone calls and the internet

They can make phone calls to approved phone numbers from monitored phones.

This means prison staff can listen to the telephone call. They will have to pay to make phone calls from their trust account. 

There are some organisations they can call for free, and prison staff cannot listen to these calls.

These include all of the following:

• NT Legal Aid Commission
• North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA)
• Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service (CAALAS)
• The Ombudsman
• Health Complaints Commission
• Anti-Discrimination Commission
• Human Rights Commission
• Reintegration After Prison Project
• Drug Information Hotline.

Women prisoners with children

Female prisoners may be allowed to care for young children or babies while in custody if it is in the best interests of the child, and the management and security of the prison is not threatened.

Being released from prison

Go to leaving prison and parole to find out more about what happens when a prisoner is released.

A supervised good behaviour order is a non-custodial sentence.

What a person must do

A person on a good behaviour order must:

• follow all reasonable directions of the probation and parole officer
• report to and receive visits from the probation and parole officer as directed
• attend programs or counselling as directed by the probation and parole officer
• tell their probation and parole officer if they change address within 2 working days
• follow all other conditions set by the court.

What a person must not do

A person on a good behaviour order must not:

• break the law while on the order
• leave the Northern Territory (NT) without permission from their probation and parole officer
• breach the conditions of the order.

After the court places someone on an order

After sentencing the court will give the offender a copy of their court order that will outline the conditions the offender must comply with.

The offender must report to the Community Corrections office named on the order within 2 working days.

When the offender reports to the office they will be assigned a probation and parole officer.

The probation and parole officer will:

• go through the order with the offender to make sure they understand it
• explain the conditions the offender must comply with
• if the offender has a condition to attend programs or counselling the probation and parole officer will provide the details of when and where they will attend
• help the offender develop a plan to follow the conditions of their order and stay out of trouble in the future.

If a person can't attend

If an offender can't attend a program or an appointment it's their responsibility to notify the probation and parole officer immediately. The offender will be required to provide evidence such as a doctor's certificate or letter from their employer.

What happens if the person doesn't follow the order

If an offender doesn't follow the conditions of the order, the probation and parole officer will investigate what has happened and the offender may have to return to court to explain their actions.

If the probation and parole officer tells you that you have to go back to court, you should contact your lawyer. They will explain your options and what the court might decide.

Why programs are included

Programs can help offenders make changes in their life and reduce the risk of re-offending. Programs have been developed to provide help with gambling, drugs, alcohol, money problems or mental illness.

If someone can't meet the obligations of the order

An offender can apply to the court at any time during the order period for the order to be resolved and another penalty substituted. Contact your lawyer to discuss your options and make an application to the court.

A home detention order is a sentence where the offender is put under detention in their home instead of going to prison.

These projects are hosted by approved charities, non-profit organisations or community groups in the Northern Territory.

Work may include:

• gardening, repairs and maintenance tasks for community facilities
• any other support to deliver an organisation’s services to the community.

If your organisation is eligible, you can apply to become an approved host.

Who can apply

You can apply to host unpaid workers on your community project if you’re a charity, non-profit organisation or community group.

Your project must:

• be for the benefit of the community
• promote and enhance employment skills
• include all the necessary equipment and machinery
• provide a site supervisor who can give guidance and support in a safe working environment
• not take work away from paid employment opportunities
• not be demeaning or degrading in nature.

For more information, read the community work project guidelines and agreement.

How to apply

To apply or for more information, contact your nearest community work coordinator below.

Contact

• Darwin – call 08 8922 6501 or email casuarina.communitycorrections@nt.gov.au
• Katherine – call 08 8973 8743 or email katherine.communitycorrections@nt.gov.au
• Tennant Creek – call 08 8962 4466 or email ntcstennantcreek.communitycorrections@nt.gov.au
• Alice Springs -  call 08 8951 5631 or email alicesprings.communitycorrections@nt.gov.au.

A prisoner’s release date is confidential information and will not be told to anyone else. It is up to the prisoner to tell other people if they choose to.

Money

Any money left in the prisoner’s trust account will be withdrawn and a cash cheque written out in their name.

They will be given the cheque as they leave the prison.

Transport from prison

Transport may be arranged to take the prisoner to the place they are going to live, providing it is within the Northern Territory (NT).

This may include bus or airplane travel.

The cost will be discussed with the prisoner.

Housing and accommodation

Prisoners may be given help with finding accommodation

They should speak to a prisoner support officer or Aboriginal liaison officer for more information.

If they are in a work camp they should speak with a reintegration/employment officer.

Getting a job

Prisoners who have been part of the Sentenced to a Job program may be able to find work with the same employer when they are released.

Find out more about employing prisoners in your business.

Prisoners who are convicted of murder in the Northern Territory (NT) are automatically given a life sentence under the law. 

This essentially means they are not entitled to parole for at least 20 years. However, in some cases a judge can order a longer non-parole period.

In some cases, the judge can refuse to give a non-parole period which means the prisoner could spend the rest of their life in prison. 

Prisoners can be given a longer non-parole period in any of the following circumstances:

• premeditated murder
• contract killing
• multiple or serial murder
• murder of a child under 18 years old
• murder with sexual motivation
• murder of police officer or public official.

Official visitors are appointed members of the community who visit Northern Territory (NT) prisons. Their role is to provide independent assessments of the treatment and conditions of prisoners.

They are appointed by the minister responsible for correctional services and are independent from NT correctional centres and work camps.

They operate in line with the Correctional Services Act 2014.

Appointment

The minister must appoint at least 3 official visitors for each custodial correctional facility.

They are appointed for a 3-year term to:

• Darwin Correctional Centre
• Alice Springs Correctional Centre
• Barkly Work Camp
• Datjala Work Camp.

Each correctional facility must be visited by an official visitor at least once a month.

Responsibilities

Official visitors do all of the following:

• visit the facility and look into the treatment, behaviour and conditions of prisoners
• provide a report to the minister on issues they have found in the correctional facility
• provide an independent assessment of prisoner conditions
• ensure that correctional centres are managed in line with relevant laws and community expectations.

Official visitors can't investigate or advocate on behalf of individual prisoners under section 31 of the Act.

They must not interfere with or instruct on how prisoners are controlled or managed.

Contact

If you're interested in becoming an official visitor, email officialvisitorsprogram.ntdcs@nt.gov.au.

The One Mob Different Country program allows low-security Indigenous prisoners who have demonstrated good behaviour to take part in traditional Aboriginal dance performances.

They dance at community, government, private and not-for-profit organisation events.

The name refers to the dancers who come from different communities, but come together as one mob.

Requests for performances at children’s events will not be approved.

There is a fee for the dancers.

To request an application or make an enquiry, email Onemobdance.NTDCS@nt.gov.au.

All prisoners have basic rights when they serve their sentence inside a prison. They have the right to be treated with humanity, dignity and respect.

All prisons and youth detention centres are inspected once a month by an official visitor, who is appointed by the Minister for Justice.

Prisoners can talk to their prisoner support officer or their Aboriginal liaison officer if they have any questions.

Legal help

Under the law, prisoners can talk to a lawyer or other legal representative. They can call them for free from prison and arrange visits.

Lawyers can also bring other people such as translators to help give advice.

Right to information

All prisoners and community-based offenders can request records of their personal and non-personal information.

To request your records, you can make a Freedom of Information request.

Adult prisoners

Adult prisoners can also request records by sending a written request to the address below:

Information Coordinator
Department of Attorney-General and Justice
GPO Box 1722
Darwin NT 0801

Representatives of young people

If you're providing legal or other services to a young person in a detention centre, you can also directly request access to some of your client’s records. This includes support and case management plans.

The information should relate to the services you're providing and the client must agree to their information being shared.

Email your request together with a signed authority from your client to:

• tf.youthddydcmanagement@nt.gov.au for Don Dale Youth Detention Centre or
• tf.youthasydcmanagement@nt.gov.au for Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre.

Medical help

Prisoners are given a full medical examination on arrival by a medical officer. This includes a record of previous medical history and medication they are currently taking.

Prisoners have access to the same health care that is available to the community in the same part of the Northern Territory (NT).

If a prisoner is critically ill or injured, their next of kin, lawyer, and anyone else who has can make decisions on their behalf will be notified.

Complaints

Prisoners who have a complaint can talk to their sector or block officer, or supervising officer.

If the issue isn’t resolved, the prisoner can submit a superintendent’s parade request form to speak to the superintendent’s delegate.

For serious complaints, the prisoner can inform the Ombudsman NT using the prisoner telephone system, or contact their lawyer.

For very serious complaints, the prisoner can speak with the official visitor, who represents the Minister for Justice.

Prisoners should also allow time for complaints to be resolved.

Transferring

Sentenced prisoners can request a transfer to another prison in another state.

This is usually for welfare reasons, such as being closer to family.

When a prisoner is transferred, it means the:

• sentence is transferred to the receiving state or territory
• new state or territory is:
  • financially responsible for the prisoner
  • responsible for the prisoner’s welfare
• prisoner's eligibility for parole stays the same.

Requesting a transfer

All transfer requests must go through the Sentence Management team within the correctional facility.

Prisoners can apply or ask their lawyer to apply on their behalf. However, legal representation is not necessary.

The Sentence Management team can help prisoners with their applications.

When applying, prisoners must include reasons that support the transfer, such as:

• family support
• medical reasons, if any
• job opportunities after their sentence.

Applications must also include details of any lodged appeals or outstanding charges.

Alice Springs Correctional Centre and Barkly Work Camp

Sentence Management team
Alice Springs Correctional Centre 
PO Box 56
Alice Springs NT 0871
ascc.smt@nt.gov.au

Darwin Correctional Centre and Datjala Work Camp

Sentence Management team
Darwin Correctional Centre 
PO Box 1066
Howard Springs NT 0835
dcc.sentencemanagement@nt.gov.au

After a request is submitted

Applications are processed by the Sentence Management team and provided to the Commissioner of NT Correctional Services.

The commissioner makes a recommendation and then provides the application to the minister's office.

Applications must be approved by:

• NT Department of Attorney-General and Justice
• NT Minister for Justice
• NT Minister for Justice in the receiving state or territory.

If the application is approved, it will be forwarded to the minister in the receiving state or territory.

If it's not approved, the prisoner must wait 12 months before reapplying.

Transfer applications can take many months to process.

The Top End Primary Health Care (PHC) psychologist provides services to prisoners in the Darwin Correctional Centre.

They may see them for several concerns including:

• trouble sleeping
• feeling anxious or sad
• dealing with difficult experiences
• coping with loss
• personality issues.

What services they don't provide

The psychologist operates in line with the principles of trauma informed care. But they cannot provide trauma-specific interventions such as:

• cognitive processing therapy
• eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing
• prolonged exposure therapy.

This is due to the associated risks with the processing of trauma within the prison environment.

They also cannot assist with:

• reports for court or parole hearings
• assessing parental ability
• diagnosing mental health or personality disorders
• security classification
• providing advice or opinion to legal teams or services
• offence specific treatment.

Accessing services

With the consent of the prisoner, anyone can make a referral to the PHC psychologist.

There are some circumstances where they may not be able to accept your referral.

For more information about their exclusion criteria, contact the service.

What to include in referral

When making a referral, you should include:

• why you would like the prisoner to be seen
• any symptoms they are having, including the severity and level of distress
• any relevant history, past reports or treatment eg. history of trauma, alcohol and drug use, and mental health
• other identified risks such as:
  • young adult offender
  • in prison for first time
  • displaying out of character behaviour
  • had a recent prison incident
  • suffering from grief or loss
  • limited support
  • cultural concerns.

Contact

For more information, call the Darwin Correctional Centre on 08 8901 4141.

Probation is a term used when a court sentences an offender to a community-based supervision order that requires an offender to be supervised by a probation and parole officer.

The probation and parole officer works with the offender to address their offending, and make sure they keep their promise to the court.

Depending on the type of probation and the seriousness of the offence, some offenders will have to spend time in prison as well.

There are different types of community-based orders for adults and youths.

Read more about community-based orders for adults or young people.

Probation and parole officers supervise offenders on court and parole orders to contribute to the safety of the community.

Officers work with offenders to ensure they comply with their order conditions and help them address their behaviour that gets them into trouble.

Who officers work with

They work with offenders and other agencies to develop a plan to meet the needs of an offender's circumstances, which may be problems with alcohol or drugs, anger, homelessness or no job.

To support the offender to comply with their order, the probation and parole officers may speak with their partner, family, elders, friends and employer to help them understand the conditions of the order so they can help them stay on track.

The officer will also meet the local police officers to make sure the offender is following their order and not causing trouble in the community.

A probation and parole officer is also required by law to make sure the offenders comply with any order conditions and must tell police, court or the Parole Board if the offender tells them something which is against the law.

How the officer works with an offender and their family

The court may ask a probation and parole officer to talk to offenders at court to help them decide if an offender should be given an order to be supervised by Community Corrections.

This order might have strict conditions, which are things the offender must do and also things they can't do.

They will help offenders and their family to understand what happens at court and explain the conditions of the order.

Reporting to the officer

An offender will be assigned a probation and parole officer who they will need to report to regularly to discuss their behaviour, progress and plans to help them stay out of trouble.

Prisoners applying for parole

A probation and parole officer will work with prisoners who are applying for parole to help them develop a plan for living back in the community.

The officer will provide a report to the Parole Board about the prisoner which will take lots of things into consideration, including who the prisoner might live with and their support networks, if they can get a job, and what the community including police and the victims think of the prisoner coming back.

Counselling or programs

To help the offender change their behaviour, a probation and parole officer may organise for the offender to attend counselling or programs for alcohol and drug rehabilitation or domestic violence.

Surveillance checks

A probation and parole officer may organise for surveillance checks to be done at home or work to make sure the offender is doing the right thing.

Checks may be to see if the offender has been drinking or may just involve speaking with family and friends to make sure there are no problems.

Reporting back to court

A probation and parole officer must report to courts or the Parole Board if an offender does the wrong thing. The officer doesn't decide on the punishment and must give fair and truthful information.

Contact

You can contact your probation and parole officer by calling the Community Corrections office near you.

Other languages

Watch stories in the following languages:

• Arrernte
• Djambarrpuyngu
• ES Kriol
• Kunwinjka
• Murrinh Patha
• Warlpiri
• Warumunga
• Western Arrarnta
• English.

Become a probation or parole officer

For probation and parole officer jobs, go to the Corrections Careers website.

Prisoners can receive and send approved letters and parcels while serving their sentence.

You cannot hand-deliver any mail or parcels to Northern Territory (NT) correctional centres. You must mail it.

All incoming protected and legal mail is recorded. Cash, cheques or money orders are recorded on the prisoner’s trust account.

You can send up to $200 cash by registered mail. Read more about how to give money and mail to a prisoner.

Under the law, all mail that is sent and received is read and censored, except protected or legal mail and other exemptions. Read the Correctional Services Act 2014.

Read below for information on postal addresses, approved and banned mailed items.

Posting mail

Choose one of the below postal addresses for prisoner mail. You must include the prisoners name.

Darwin Correctional Centre

Prisoner name and IJIS number
Darwin Correctional Centre
PO Box 1066
Howard Springs NT 0835

Alice Springs Correctional Centre

Prisoner name and IJIS number
Alice Springs Correctional Centre
PO Box 56
Alice Springs NT 0870

A suspended sentence is considered to be a sentence of imprisonment.

A court may choose to partly or wholly suspend the sentence.

If the sentence is suspended the offender can live in the community instead of going to jail for all or part of their sentence, as long as they obey the court's conditions.

If the offender doesn’t obey the conditions they will be required to serve their full sentence in prison.

Any time spent on a suspended sentence will not be counted.

The offender is supervised by a probation and parole officer and they may be required to participate in programs, treatment or training.

What someone on suspended sentence must do

If you have been given a suspended sentence you must:

• follow all reasonable directions of the probation and parole officer
• report to and receive visits from the officer as directed
• attend programs or counselling as directed by the officer
• tell the officer if you change employment or address within 2 working days
• follow all other conditions set by the court.

If you have been given a suspended sentence you must not:

• break the law while on the order
• leave the Northern Territory (NT) without permission from the probation and parole officer
• breach the conditions of your order.

After a court places someone on suspended sentence

If the offender’s sentence isn’t fully suspended they may be required to serve some time in prison before being released.

If the sentence is partly suspended the offender will be given a copy of the order on release from prison.

Before they are released the probation and parole officer should meet with them to discuss the conditions of their order.

If the sentence is fully suspended the court will give the offender a copy of their court order that will outline the conditions the offender must obey.

The offender must report to the Community Corrections Office named on the order within 2 working days.

When the offender reports to the Community Corrections Office they will be assigned a probation and parole officer. Their officer will:

• go through the order with the offender to make sure they understand it
• explain the conditions the offender must comply with
• provide any details of programs and counselling if the offender has a condition to attend
• help the offender develop a plan to follow the conditions of their order.

If they can’t attend the appointment

If an offender can’t attend a program or an appointment it is their responsibility to notify their probation and parole officer immediately.

The offender will be required to provide evidence such as a doctor’s certificate or letter from their employer.

If they don't follow the order

If an offender doesn’t follow the conditions of the order, the probation and parole officer will investigate what has happened and the offender may have to return to court to explain their actions.

If the probation and parole officer says that you have to go back to court you should contact your lawyer. Your lawyer will explain your options and what the court might decide.

Why programs are included

Programs can help offenders make changes in their life and reduce the risk of re-offending. Programs have been developed to provide help with gambling, drugs, alcohol, money problems or mental illness.

If they can't meet the obligations of the order

An offender can apply to the court at any time during the order period for the order to be revoked and another penalty substituted. Contact your lawyer to discuss your options and make an application to the court.

Other languages

Watch estories in the following languages:

• Arrernte
• Djambarrpuyngu
• ES Kriol
• Kunwinjka
• Murrinh Patha
• Warlpiri
• Warumunga
• Western Arrarnta
• English.

If you are aged over 10 and visiting a prisoner at Darwin Correctional Centre you must provide a fingerprint and eye scan. This is called the Biometric Identification System.

The system improves security and means you can enter and leave quicker.  

First visit

If you're a first time visitor staff will check your identity documents. 

You will then be enrolled in the system when scans are taken of your left and right index fingers and your eye. 

Children 10 to 17 years old don't need photo identification but must be with an adult. 

How it works  

You will first pass through metal detectors at reception. 

Then place your finger on the scanning pad and look into the eye scanner.

Your photo and visit time will be checked before you are allowed to enter. To book a visit see visit a prisoner.

What happens with your information

Information is used to check identification and record your visits. 

Under Northern Territory law, your information is not used for anything else and is not linked to any other database. It can only be used by authorised staff.

Leaving the prison

You will be scanned again when you leave the prison.