PLS will be closed effective October 24, 2022 for relocation and will reopen on November 7, 2022.
During this two-week period, we will not accept new requests or resolve existing issues. The PLS Prison Advice Line will not be answered during this time.
How do prisoners pass the time?
Prisoners have access to televisions, radios and can also purchase additional items such as books. There is no money in prison, instead each prisoner has an account similar to a savings account that friends and family can deposit money into.
To pass the time, there are outdoor exercise yards where prisoners can meet or do physical exercises or activities. Prisoners can also work, like cooking and cleaning, although the pay is extremely low. Prisoners do not work to earn money, but to pass the time or to demonstrate good behavior in hopes of early release.
Cells
Most Queensland prisons have individual cells that house a prisoner. However, in times of housing shortages, the cells can accommodate two inmates with a portable bed. In each cell there is a bed, a shower and a toilet. Each inmate is responsible for their cell and is responsible for keeping it clean and tidy at all times. Generally, an inmate is permitted to keep his personal effects in his cell, including letters, photographs, books and stationery, sometimes a television, radio, Bible or religious literature, and study materials. Inmates will remain in their cells for long periods of time, but are allowed to move around the prison for meals, exercise, visits from family and friends and their lawyer, and doctor’s appointments. If the inmate has a job, he is allowed to move around the prison for his job.
The cells are periodically searched and prohibited items (“smuggling”) confiscated. These items include drugs, guns, cell phones and any other items that are not allowed and that endanger the security of the prison. If an inmate has prohibited items in his cell, he may be charged with a felony and/or imprisoned. This could include transfer to another cell, transfer to another prison, isolation from other inmates, deprivation of rights, including visitation rights, and deprivation of work privileges.