Prisoners’ security ratings are being downgraded so they can be housed at lower security facilities due to overcrowding at high security prisons, according to an Australian association for prison staff.

Sworn Officers & Professional Association of Australia national secretary Wayne Evans told 6PR Mornings host Gary Adshead that some senior ranking prison staff often pushed back against the placement of what they thought was an inappropriate status of a prisoner in a minimum security setting.

“It’s a recurring theme and that’s the concern that is expressed to us from people that work in that environment,” Mr Patrick said.

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