The Passing out Parade: Demilitarisation of the Correctional Services

This paper seeks to examine why a military structure is inappropriate in a prison environment and why demilitarisation of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is necessary. Some of the important areas affected by demilitarisation are highlighted. It will be argued in this paper that a militarised correctional services is inappropriate for an institution which is established for the safe keeping and rehabilitation of offenders. It further looks at the implications of a militarised and demilitarised structure and culture on the Department.

 

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Amanda Dissel

Amanda Dissel is an independent consultant in criminal justice and violence prevention issues. This research was conducted while she was Criminal Justice Programme Manager at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR). She has published on issues of human rights, conditions and treatment of detainees in prisons and police stations, juvenile and child justice, and violent crime.