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Crossing the line between prison officer and inmate

Crossing the line between prison officer and inmate

A 7News investigation has revealed a spike in inappropriate relationships between prison guards and inmates, with many occurring inside and outside the boundaries of prison.

An exclusive Right to Information investigation has revealed enquiries into other inappropriate relationships between 2012 and 2014.

Convicted murderer Bevan Meninga fathered a child behind bars to a prison officer.


A former guard of 20 years, who only wanted to be known as John, witnessed the affair.

"It started with gestures and compliments and it just went from there and got out of control,” he said.

Serial rapist Leslie O'Rourke developed a close friendship with a female guard.

When he was out of jail, they went for a picnic and had dinners together.

The high-risk offender helped the guard move house and she bought him presents.

"Les just struck me as a decent bloke, I mean I knew his criminal history but you know he didn't, he never stuffed me around, everything was always done the right way,” the investigation said.

"The thin edge of the wedge, that's when prisoners, over a period of time, work on officers and staff,” John said.

“Until you get to the edge of the wedge where it's hard for the officers to get out of the situation.”

In another incident, a female prisoner was released and went to a bar. A guard was there.

".... (He) approached her and they engaged in general conversation and agreed to take a taxi to the casino, where he made several sexually motivated passes and comments,” the investigation said.

The following month, she was jailed again. The guard sent her love letters and a Christmas card.

He was investigated and resigned.

Brisbane Correctional Centre General Manager Bernie Kruhse said inappropriate relationships occur, they are “dealt with in strong terms”.

John wants an overhaul of the system saying guards should only work in jails that house criminals of the same gender.

Alex Scott from the Together Union said these incidences are not common.

"While we've seen an increase in the number of instances being reported it is a still a very small minority,” he said.

In another incident, a female kitchen staff member had a sexual relationship with an inmate.

Evidence of the affair was revealed in recorded phone calls between the pair and love letters were also found in the prisoner's cell.

She was interviewed about the relationship and resigned.