Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services

The Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (OICS) was established in 1999 to oversee the way people in custody are managed. Under the Inspector of Custodial Services Act 2003 our role includes conducting regular inspections and reviews of prisons, work camps, court custody centres and the detention facility holding young people. We also manage the Independent Visitor Service a committed group of community volunteers who visit facilities, speak with prisoners and seek to resolve issues. Our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) provides highly valued cultural context in working with staff across the Office and with people in the community. The CLO maintains a large community network and helps us to engage with culturally diverse prisoners, community organisations, and families. The CLO also provides advice to staff in the Office on cultural issues and protocols. We are independent. We report directly to Parliament and our reports are also available to the public. Eamon Ry...