Prison aims at better quality of life

Releasing prisoners that neighbours will feel safe living next to is a major focus at the Bunbury Regional Prison.

According to new superintendent Kerri Bishop, the prison has multiple programs which help guide prisoners to a better quality of life.

Since taking up the role and becoming the first female superintendent of a male prison in WA, Ms Bishop told the SouthWestern Times she had found the prison reflected the qualities of the community.

‘‘The staff are proud and dedicated to the prison because it’s a part ot their community and life,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s about producing a better person and improving their outlook and respect for themselves and their community.

‘‘Knowing that any one of the prisoners could be a new neighbour to someone in the community, we try to make sure they will feel safe.’’

Ms Bishop has more than two decades of experience and a masters degree in criminal justice to back up her view that the prison is one of the best in the State.

‘‘The prisoners here have a good relationship with the staff and they value being here,’’ she said.

‘‘There are lots (of prisons) not as potentially rewarding as Bunbury.

‘‘Our whole objective is to produce a better person.’’

Ms Bishop had experience at three different prisons prior to joining the team in Bunbury.

She was one of five women first selected to be integrated into the male prison system.

‘‘It was tough,’’ Ms Bishop said.

‘‘Everywhere was going through an era of drastic cultural change.

‘‘Women were brought in for their attributes where instead of power and strength it became more about case management and communication.’’

She was then one of two women chosen to work at the Broome Regional Prison which set the foundation for her career.

‘‘Learning about the Aboriginal culture there was great,’’ she said.

‘‘It has underpinned my whole career where I’ve seen thatwe need to acknowledge the needs of Aboriginals in the community.’’

Ms Bishop broadened her experiences at the Perth Bandyup Women’s Prison where she saw another side of the prisoners.