PEPPER spray was used during a protest involving inmates at the Alexander Maconochie Centre on November 27.
The spray was used after one detainee acted violently towards an officer, a spokesman for the Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) said.
During the incident, detainees “refused” to return to their cells and were making demands about the “regime” in their accommodation area, according to JACS.
CityNews understands that frustrations over covid visiting restrictions are believed to have started the incident.
The restrictions are said to ban close contact between inmates and visitors which means detainees haven’t held their children for well over a year.
However a JACS spokesperson said the incident was not associated with visiting arrangements.
No one was injured during the event.
Face-to-face social visits are due to recommence at the jail today (December 6).
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