Defence Force Correctional Establishment (Australia)

The DFCE forms the third and highest tier of the ADF's detention system, after unit detention centres and area detention centres. It is the only facility authorised to hold members of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force who have been sentenced to more than 14 days of detention. It also serves as one of the facilities where personnel under arrest are held while awaiting trial. The main role of the DFCE is to rehabilitate members of the ADF who have been sentenced to detention for breaching military regulations or laws, though it also seeks to deter such behaviour. Personnel held at the DFCE are required to participate in a very strict and intensive regime of military training. The goal of this program is to prepare them to return to active service by building respect for military authority and improving the individual's self-respect and discipline. Detainees also undertake charity activities, including supervised projects conducted away from Holsworthy. While at the DFCE, detainees can win the right to minor privileges through good behaviour. ==Facilities and staffing==

A purpose-built complex for the DFCE was opened in 1992. It included two wings of 13 single-person cells each, with a maximum capacity of 22 people. As of 2002, one cell was being converted into a female shower block, two cells were set-aside for segregated detention and one cell had padded walls. Closed-circuit television is used to monitor detainees. DFCE detainees have access to a library and classroom, which are used as part of the military training program. The facility also has an outdoors gym which is used for physical training sessions. The DFCE is staffed by members of the three services, with personnel serving at the facility being designated "instructors" rather than "guards" or similar. As of 2002 staff assigned to the DFCE received four days specialist training before commencing in the role. ==History==

The DFCE was established on 17 January 1989. It replaced the 1st Military Correctional Establishment, which had existed at Heathcote Road, Hammondville. It was relocated to its current location in 1992, and from 1 July that year reported to Headquarters, Logistics Command. On 16 December 1996 the DFCE was reassigned to Headquarters, Training Command and made part of the Military Police School. Following another reorganisation, it became part of the Military Police Training Centre from 1 December 1997. This dog is affectionately named 'Charlie' and although elderly, is in good health as of 2020. Charlie continues to reside at DFCE to date and is allocated a specifically trained handler to care for her. The number of detainees and the time they spend at the DFCE varies considerably. As of 2002 the average period of detention was 14–16 days, with 270 days being the longest up to that time. == References ==