COVID-19 (coronavirus)

In response to COVID-19 we made changes to the way we provide oversight of adult and youth custodial services.

Inspections and reviews

• Physical visits and inspections of custodial centres will only take place at the direction of the Inspector
• Remote visits, using appropriate technology, may be conducted on a case-by-case basis
• We have conducted a review of the response to COVID-19 in youth and adult custodial centres in NSW since the start of the pandemic

Impact of COVID-19 on custodial services

During the pandemic we will monitor the planning and response to COVID-19 by agencies that deliver custodial services.

This may require visits and/or inspections of individual custodial centres.

Official Visitor program

The Official Visitor Program has continued to operate, although necessary adjustments were initially made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic so that Official Visitors could safely provide support to inmates and detainees. A dedicated mail address continues to operate to allow inmates and detainees access the Official Visitor Program directly.

Inmates and young people can confidentially write to:

The Inspector of Custodial Services
Official Visitor Program
PO Box R1769
ROYAL EXCHANGE NSW 1225

Members of the public can contact custodialinspector@justice.nsw.gov.au to enquire about how an Official Visitor may be able to assist a person in custody.

For more information 

• Read our COVID-19 plan (PDF, 345.9 KB)