Alice Springs Correctional Centre superintendent Peter Rainbird would not say why prisoners had staged the riot.But he said guards would consult prisoners about concerns in the jail.
The Territory's jail rate is 580 per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 154 per 100,000.
Mick - It's hot - the food is shit and there are next to no rehabilitive programs. I read all the books before my eight days were up. Borrowed more from inmates. Besides all that - most mob shouldn't be in there.
- You could release most of the NT prisoners safely
How the hell are they coping in the heat with a piss-bucket for company?
By Just Us posted 18 November 05
Jail lockdown as riot rages
A TERRITORY jail was locked down yesterday as maximum security prisoners rioted.
Inmates in the reception area of Alice Springs jail's maximum security section barricaded doors and set fire to mattresses about 10am.
Guards responded by locking the jail down and rushing to the area, clearing the prisoners and putting out the fires within an hour.
Eight prisoners involved in the riot were taken to isolation cells.
Alice Springs Correctional Centre superintendent Peter Rainbird would not say why prisoners had staged the riot.
But he said guards would consult prisoners about concerns in the jail.
Supt Rainbird would not say which prisoners were involved in the riot but confirmed it would be investigated and jail procedures would be reviewed.
"Once we finish the investigation we will be able to deal with the issues,'' he said.
NT Police also will investigate the riot and may lay charges of criminal damage against the prisoners.
Firefighters were called out but the fires had been extinguished when they arrived.
The jail's maximum security unit remained in lockdown last night.
"There was only superficial damage caused,'' Supt Rainbird said.
"Public safety was not compromised at the time.'' He described the incident as "moderately serious''.
By ERIC TLOZEK 16nov05
NT Prisons - Close to boiling point
"PRISONERS threatened to riot at Darwin jail after complaining about overcrowding and the quality of food, it was learnt yesterday."
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