Port Phillip Correctional Centre

Infobox_Prisons
prison_name=Port Phillip Correctional Centre
location=Laverton, Victoria
status=Operational
classification=Maximum (Male)
capacity=744
opened=September, 1997
closed=
managed_by=GSL Custodial Services

Port Phillip Correctional Centre is a maximum security prison located at Laverton, Victoria, Australia. Construction began in 1994 and was completed in 1996. Port Phillip Correctional Centre is the second maximum security prison for Victoria, after the metropolitan remand centre opened in 2006, taking the majority of Port Phillip Prison's remand prisoners,Port Phillip retains specialist accommodation for prisoners with physical and intellectual disabilities, hospital services and specialist, management and security units.

The prison is privately run by GSL Custodial Services (previously Group 4 Corrections Services). Other names for the Port Phillip Correctional Centre are Port Phillip Prison.

Accommodation units

The prison is separated into thirteen accommodation units including a youth unit generally for young adult inmates aged 18-25. Each cell has a shower, basin, toilet, desk, chair, television, kettle, storage shelves, intercom and bed. Each accommodation unit has its own kitchen, meals room, laundry, day room, recreation area and outside courtyard.

All units are centrally heated and every cell has ventilation and a large window. In addition, the prison operates a 20-bed inpatient hospital unit.

Controversy

Port Phillip Prison has been the subject of much controversy since opening. Many blame private management of the prison management rather than government manangement for the controversial issues.

Controversies include the deaths of seven prisoners within five months of opening, dangerous prisoners being allowed access to violent video games and movies, and a move to install an ice-cream machine [http://www.cvsa.asn.au/articles.php?ArticlesShowMe=2] .

Also during a time of drought in Victoria 2007, when the rest of the population has been forced to under go water restrictions, Port Phillip has been permitted to fill inground swimming pools from mains water for the inmates to enjoy Fact|date=April 2007. This was widely reported in local papers, however upon further review it was revealed that the pools needed to maintain water in order to comply with the safety standards, as there is no suitable mains water available to many of the units, should a fire break out.

Notable prisoners

*Peter Dupas convicted serial killer
*Andrew Fraser lawyer convicted of drug trafficking
*Craig Minogue, Russell Street bomber
*Lewis Moran, Melbourne underworld criminal, father of Jason Moran.
*Gregory Brazel, triple murderer, arsonist and armed robber

References

*http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/DOJ+Internet/Home/Prisons/Prisons+in+Victoria/JUSTICE+-+Prison+Profiles+-+Port+Phillip+Prison