Statistics and research

Remand

Alleged offenders on remand are held in custody before and during their trial (on criminal charges) by order of a court.

Prisoner placement

Prisoner placement is the process of ensuring that prisoners are placed in prison locations that are appropriate to prison security and management as well as prisoners’ individual welfare and rehabilitation needs.

Arrival

Upon arrival at any of Victoria's prisons, prisoners undergo reception, assessment and orientation.

Healthcare

The quality and standard of health care provided to prisoners is the same as that provided in the community through the public health system.

Money

Prisoner monies are held in trust using a computerised accounting system.

Programs

Corrections Victoria provides a wide range of program opportunities for prisoners to assist in their rehabilitation and successful return to the community after release from custody.

Personal information and privacy

Corrections Victoria collects personal information about prisoners, offenders, their families and prison visitors.

Pregnancy and childcare

Women in custody who are pregnant or who are the primary carers of young children may apply for the Living with Mum Program.

Prohibited items (contraband)

A prohibited item ('contraband') is anything introduced or found in a prison that is not permitted.

Property and clothing

The type and amount of property and clothing prisoners are allowed to keep varies from prison to prison.

Recreation

Activities in Victorian prisons ensure access to fresh air for at least an hour a day and access to a library.

Work, education and training

Prisoners have the opportunity to work during their sentence to build work habits and skills.

Leaving prison

All Victorian prisons have Transitional staff to assist prisoners to prepare for their release.

Statistics

Monthly time series prison and community corrections data

Monthly prison and community corrections snapshots

Annual Prisons Statistical Profile

Annual Community Correctional Services Statistical Profile

Drugs in Victorian Prisons Report

Research

Corrections and Justice Services (CJS) is open to facilitating research that involves services, service users and service user pathways of the corrections system, comprising prisons and community corrections.

If you wish to conduct research involving CJS people, data or information, then you must satisfy the relevant application processes and obtain support from the Corrections Victoria Research Committee (CVRC).

Corrections Victoria Research Committee

The CVRC considers research applications to determine the operational and feasibility requirements of the proposed activities. Committee membership comprises representatives from across CJS and the Department of Justice and Community Safety, who determine the resourcing requirements and research burden on the corrections system.

Your research may need to be reviewed and approved by the CVRC if it involves:

CJS staff, such as prison officers, community case managers, program staff and head office staff

service providers contracted by CJS or the department to deliver programs in custodial settings and with people under custodial supervision, both in prison and in the community

people in prison custody or under community supervision

program, project or equivalent information, such as policies, frameworks and guidelines that are not publicly available

CJS system data.

CVRC is not an ethical review committee – research applicants can obtain an ethical review from the Justice Human Research Ethics Committee (JHREC) (External link). If research involves CJS people, data and information, a letter from the CVRC is required in support of all JHREC applications and must be obtained prior to submission to JHREC.

Application process

The CVRC meets regularly throughout the year. Researchers are invited to contact the CVRC Secretary to notify their intent to apply, obtain an application form, receive upcoming submission and meeting dates, and submit a completed application form.