NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has raised concerns over the overcrowding of police holding cells, leading to a significant drain on police resources. During an emergency meeting with the Commissioner of Corrective Services, Webb highlighted how some inmates, particularly those denied bail, are stuck in police watch houses for extended periods—a situation referred to as “cell ramping.” She described the current predicament as a “gridlock” within the state’s jail system, arguing that police should not serve as prolonged custodians for these individuals.
The Commissioner has initiated a six-month investigation into how prisoner transport affects police efficiency and community service. This review will track the time spent and resources used by officers in managing inmate movements. Webb emphasised that the ongoing bottleneck consumes valuable police time that could otherwise be directed towards community safety.
She signalled the urgency of establishing an effective plan to alleviate these issues, underscoring that the problem extends beyond police operations to encompass human rights concerns as some individuals have reportedly spent days in custody. Webb expressed her commitment to working alongside unions and Corrective Services to find a practical resolution. Below the surface, this is a pressing matter that demands immediate attention at various levels of the justice system.