JICS has five management regions which operate throughout the country, with regional office staff and ICCVs providing frontline service delivery at various correctional centres. ICCVs stationed at the facilities address most inmate/offender complaints and requests. Human rights violations are identified and addressed, and reports provided on the conditions of the facilities. Unresolved and urgent complaints are referred to the Visitors' Committees and the Office of the Inspecting Judge. Regional offices also attempt to resolve complaints from the public and family members.
ICCVs stationed at correctional centres address most inmate/offender complaints and requests, with Visitors' Committees and the Office of the Inspecting Judge dealing with unresolved and urgent complaints. Regional offices also attempt to resolve complaints and provide critical information to JICS on a range of areas, informing JICS interventions in different areas of concern.
ICCVs stationed at correctional centres deal with most inmate/offender complaints and requests, with Visitors' Committee and the Office of the Inspecting Judge dealing with the rest. Regional offices also attempt to resolve public and family member complaints and provide critical information for JICS to intervene in different areas of concern.
JICS Management Regions provide critical frontline service delivery, with ICCVs stationed at correctional centres providing dispute resolution services for inmate/offender complaints and requests. These locations cover the country and identify human rights violations while providing detailed reports on correctional centre conditions. JICS regional offices attempt to ensure that appropriate action is taken in different areas of concern, intervening where necessary.
The role of an ICCV is crucial in addressing the concerns and complaints of inmates within the correctional system. This designated visitor undertakes a multi-faceted approach to ensure that inmates' grievances are heard, acknowledged, and appropriately addressed. Regular visits to correctional facilities form the cornerstone of this process. Through these visits, the ICCV gains first-hand insights into the conditions, treatment, and overall environment within the facilities. This allows them to comprehensively assess the experiences of inmates and identify areas that require attention.
Furthermore, when engaging with inmates, utmost privacy is upheld. Private interviews provide a confidential platform for inmates to voice their complaints openly and honestly. This approach fosters an atmosphere of trust, empowering inmates to share their concerns without fear of victimisation. To ensure accountability and proper documentation, the ICCV records these complaints in an official diary. This log serves as an accurate record of the grievances brought forward by inmates and aids in monitoring the resolution process.
An essential component of the visitor's role is engaging with the Head of the Correctional Centre (HCC). By discussing these complaints, the ICCV initiates a collaborative effort toward resolving issues. This dialogue aims to find effective solutions, promoting an environment that upholds inmates' rights and dignity. In summary, the ICCV stands as a bridge between inmates and the correctional system, offering a channel for addressing complaints and fostering a culture of transparency, fairness, and accountability. Through regular visits, private interviews, meticulous documentation, and collaborative discussions, the ICCV plays a pivotal role in creating a system that respects the rights and well-being of all individuals within the correctional facilities.
The mandate of JICS is to inspect or arrange for the inspection of correctional centres and remand detention facilities in order to report on the treatment of inmates in correctional centres and on conditions and any corrupt or dishonest practices in correctional centres and remand detention facilities.
Corporate Services comprises of three Sub-Directorates, namely, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Communications & Media. It is through these components that the Unit is able to provide the much-needed resources and functions to support JICS’s pursuit of outcomes.
JICS manages public services to resolve disputes within correctional facilities, ensuring accessible support and collaborating with other departments to uphold inmates' human dignity.
Legal services offer professional guidance and representation to address various legal needs for individuals and organizations.
JICS is an independent oversight body tasked with overseeing the correctional operations of the Department of Correctional Services and protecting the rights of all incarcerated persons. JICS reports to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services and the Minister of Correctional Services.
349 Witch-Hazel Avenue, Eco-Origin Park – Block C3, Highveld, Centurion, 0157
Email: Complaints@jics.gov.za
Phone: (012) 321 0303