Function and History
The prison is also known by the nickname 'The Map'. Previously known as the Melbourne Remand Centre, the Melbourne Assessment Prison was originally built to accommodate Melbourne's remand prisoners and sits on the site of the former Western Hotel on the corner of Spencer Street and La Trobe Street just west of Melbourne's central business district.
The primary purpose of the facility is to provide statewide assessment and orientation services for all male prisoners received into the prison system.
In 1997 the prison became the main reception prison for all male prisoners in Victoria. Initial planning for the prison commenced in 1974. Construction commenced in December 1983 and was completed in 1989 at a cost of A$80m. The prison was officially opened on 6 April 1989, and received its first prisoners on 29 May 1989.
At least two prisoners have escaped from the Melbourne Assessment Prison. In one incident explosives smuggled into the unit were used to blow open the armoured plastic windows of a cell, while the two inmates hid behind mattresses (see Peter Gibb). Since then steel bars have been added to the windows to prevent a repetition.
Read more about this topic: HM Melbourne Assessment Prison
Famous quotes containing the words function and/or history:
“Our father has an even more important function than modeling manhood for us. He is also the authority to let us relax the requirements of the masculine model: if our father accepts us, then that declares us masculine enough to join the company of men. We, in effect, have our diploma in masculinity and can go on to develop other skills.”
—Frank Pittman (20th century)
“The principal office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.”
—Tacitus (c. 55–c. 120)