OFFERING CONSULTATION, TRAINING AND LITIGATION ADVICE
Specialising in
INMATE CLASSIFICATION & PLACEMENT, PROTECTIVE & SEGREGATED CUSTODY, INMATE HOUSING, MANAGING PRISON OVERCROWDING, MANAGING TIME OUT OF CELLS AND PRISON DEATHS IN CUSTODY.
Reviewing Incident and Officer reports, Classification & Placement decisions, Segregation & Protective Custody directions, policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, Local orders and Directions, Instructions and Memorandums in relation to serious and critical incidents within a Prison. Providing expert opinion and advice on compliance within a Correctional Centre and Environment.
Also providing advice and opinion on;
Use of Force
Inmate Management
Prison inmate culture
Legal detainers & warrants
Consultation services for individuals & families prior to and during in custody
Administrative incident post action review
Providing specialised knowledge based on personal experience and training within Corrective Services over a 30 year period.
History and Knowledge
Domenic Pezzano has 30 years of working experience within Corrective Services – New South Wales. Providing subject expert information at Judicial proceedings (District & Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeal, Coroner's Court and Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Police Integrity Commission, NSW Crown Solicitor's Office, Prisoner Rehabilitation - NSW Audit Office, in the area of inmate classification & placement, protective custody and the removal of hanging points within prison and court cells.
Experienced in providing consultation and information / training services to a wide range of Law Enforcement - Correctional Organisations: Legal Aid Commission Law Conference, Office of the Director Public Prosecution - Country Conference, CSNSW Official Visitor's Conference, NSW Parole Board Conference, Internnational Transfer of Prisoners Unit - Attorney-General's Department, Chinese Ministry of Justice, Thailand Ministry of Justice, Overseas Correctional Services delegations and State and Interstate Departments. Successfully provided expert advice in order to assist decision-makers in better understanding the various policies and procedures in place within CSNSW.
Awards & Affiliations:
Appointed Justice of the Peace - NSW 1985
Whilst within employment at CSNSW, completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration at The University of Sydney
Completed a Certificate III in Training & Assessment whilst with CSNSW
Received Commissioner’s Commendation for significant work and dedication given to CSNSW.
Received Deputy Commissioner's Commendation for loyal and dedicated service and outstanding contribution to Offender Management & Operations Branch – CSNSW
Represented CSNSW on numerous occasions as a subject expert at Judicial proceedings (District & Supreme Court, Coroner's Court and Administrative Appeals Tribunal) in the area of inmate classification & placement, protective custody and the removal of hanging points within prison and court cells.
He was also a nominated CSNSW representative as part of an Australian national delegation to Western Australia Corrective Services to assist in the area of Inmate Classification and Commissioner nomination as CSNSW representative to assist the Queensland Department of Corrective Services in evaluating the effectiveness of its Escape Review Assessment.
Consulting Experience
Offering Consultation, Training and Litigation advice:
INMATE CLASSIFICATION & PLACEMENT, PROTECTIVE & SEGREGATED CUSTODY, INMATE HOUSING, MANAGING PRISON OVERCROWDING, MANAGING TIME OUT OF CELLS AND PRISON DEATHS IN CUSTODY.
During his long career within CSNSW, Domenic Pezzano provided training to both custodial and non-custodial staff in the area of inmate classification & placement and protective & segregated custody.
He successfully developed an operational document tilted:
'Information for ODPP/Courts on options for offenders who request Protective Custody – Limited Association Non-Association'.
This document was made available to the Office of Director Public Prosecution and Courts (Magistrates/Judges). The document was also made available and published on the 'Judicial Commission of New South Wales' website under heading 'Sexual Assault Trials Handbook'.
He also developed an information and training document for custodial and non-custodial staff titled: 'Why do we have a Classification System?'
Domenic Pezzano has also provided an on line information video within the Criminology Course (Prisons and Corrections) at the University of New South Wales.
Whilst employed with CSNSW and since leaving government service, Domenic Pezzano has provided litigation support services pertaining to matters of correctional services in the field of inmate classification & placement and protective & segregated custody. He has been retained as an expert by State of NSW and has provided affidavits and evidence at various tribunal and judicial proceedings. Domenic Pezzano is prepared to offer knowledgeable opinions about the full range of correctional management, involving; employment and programs provided to offenders as well as the adequacy of institutional policy and procedures within a correctional environment.
Other services and assistance;
Investigate a specific incident or event, research all available materials and information on the subject, provide an analysis of the findings.
Provide advice on the merits of a potential liability claim and document the research and findings within a written report.
Providing recommendations towards certain aspects of litigation strategy, as corrections/prison litigation is a very unique area of expertise to most Lawyers. I will provide suggestions for other areas to be explored, challenged and investigated. Reviewing the expert advice of opposing experts and provide advice accordingly.
Providing advice to family members / friends about the the process of when an offender enters into the correctional system and is lodged into a prison for the very first time. Assistance as to booking a contact visit and the process of reception and screening interviews, along with the initial classification and placement options.
I am prepared to appear before administrative tribunals and hearings.
Also available to provide 'Information Sessions' to Public & Private organisations; Judicial Bodies, Political Parties, Law/Legal Firms, Universities, High Schools on the understanding and operations of the Prison system in areas of:
Inmate Classification & Placement
Screening & Induction,
Segregated & Protective custody,
Levels of supervision within a correctional environment
Inmate Programs,
Inmate Employment,
Rehabilitation inititatives and
Re-integration