SA to tighten prisoner watch
The South Australian Government has pledged to “clean up” laws governing the supervision of former prisoners.
A 33-year-old man was arrested this week after an alleged string of crimes, including stealing a car from an elderly woman and ramming a police patrol during a pursuit.
The man was wanted on a South Australian Parole Board warrant for breaching an extended supervision order, and had a history of breaching supervision orders, repeatedly testing positive for methamphetamine and cutting off his electronic monitoring bracelet.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said the case revealed major weaknesses in extended supervision laws.
“All of the aspects in relation to the model under review, they're under the microscope,” she said.
“This Government won't tolerate people's safety being exposed and we do need to look at it more comprehensively.
“In addition to speaking to the Chief Justice about other models about how we might deal with this type of process, I've also called for specific advice as to the implementation of other models.
“It's now important as a Government that we take the advice to finalise the model and implement it.”
Ms Chapman said changes requiring legislative reform are unlikely before the end of the year.
It is up to the courts to decide whether a prisoner should be monitored under an extended supervision order after their sentence. The state’s parole board issues warrants when the orders are breached.
SA Parole Board chair Frances Nelson QC welcomed the review of the laws.
“I think the reality is there are some risks that can't be safely managed in the community,” she said.
“I don't know what the [Attorney-General] has in mind, but obviously something has to be done.”