All prisons in the state will go smoke free from Monday when an estimated 80 per cent of inmates will be forced to kick the nicotine habit.
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Tobacco will be added to the list of contraband items for both inmates and prison staff as part of a new health initiative.
Cigarettes, tobacco and smoking-related items, such as matches, lighters and e-cigarettes, will be banned anywhere on the grounds of a correctional centre, complex or residential facility and anyone found with these items on premises will face charges.
Custodial Corrections director Glen Scholes visited Cessnock Correctional Complex on Friday to talk about the smoke-free program.
“This change was inevitable,” he said.
“It is an addiction; no one is underestimating the difficulty of giving it up.
“I haven’t come across a single inmate that thought it was a bad idea.”
The inmates will be unable to spark up from Monday but get a three week amnesty period, ending on August 30, to hand in any of the contraband items.
Those deemed suitable candidates will have access to nicotine replacement therapy, including patches.
NSW Corrective Services has prepared intensively for the changeover, after the new smoke-free rules incited a riot in a maximum security prison in Melbourne just last month.
Intelligence officers have been collecting information and riot squads have undergone several training exercises at the Cessnock site.
Mr Scholes said early intelligence suggested there was no planned disturbance or antisocial behaviour expected at the Cessnock jail.
“We will not put up with or tolerate any negative behaviour,” he said.
“We understand there will be heightened tensions, but we are prepared for any incident.”
The changes are not expected to save the prison system any money, as inmates bought tobacco with the money they earned working during their prison sentence.
Staff at the jail will not be allowed to smoke on premises, similar to staff at hospitals and other government buildings.
Corrective Services NSW has extended the nicotine replacement therapy to staff to help them deal with the change.
There are more than 800 inmates at the Cessnock jail and an estimated 80 per cent of the state’s inmates smoke.
