New escort and security vehicles for Townsville prison

Townsville Correctional Centre has taken delivery of three new, high-tech escort and security vehicles, custom-built in Queensland.

The new vehicles are predominantly used to ensure the safe and secure movement of prisoners between correctional centres, courts and medical facilities.

Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan said the state-of-the-art security vehicles, built by a Queensland manufacturer, boosted the fleet for corrections, enhancing the security of prisoners and the safety of officers and the community.

“The fabrication of the vehicle cells and installation of the ancillary equipment was completed by Brisbane-based manufacturer Caddy Equipment,” Minister Ryan said.

“The number of these vehicles produced by Caddy has increased from two in the 2014–15 financial year to nine in 2016–17, with the potential for further growth.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper represented Minister Ryan at the Townsville prison for the delivery of the new vehicles.

“Cutting-edge safety and security features are fitted to all of the escort and security vehicles, including a satellite tracking device, emergency duress, external cameras, cell cameras, observation monitors, prisoner duress and intercom, a radio communication device, fixed mobile phone, GPS system, cell lighting, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, automated external defibrillator and evacuation equipment,” Mr Harper said.

“All of the electrical items are controlled via an intuitive programmable touch screen designed for each specific vehicle. These are truly state-of-the-art vehicles being built in Queensland.”

Due to the unique nature of their use, the specifications of new vehicles are researched, engineered and made to measure, taking into account details such as CCTV recording, satellite tracking and communication devices.

“Escorting prisoners in and out of the heavily controlled environment of a correctional centre presents its own set of challenges,” Corrections Acting Commissioner Kerrith McDermott said.

“Our escort and security teams do a great job of keeping the community, staff and prisoners safe, which is our top priority.”

ENDS

Media contact: Cathie Thompson 0413 372 387