Data and research
If you want to conduct research within the correctional system you must get permission before you start.
To do research you must be:
- an academic employed by a higher education institution
- a Masters or PhD student
- a corrective services employee doing post graduate study.
Public information is available to help you with assignments or other questions if you are:
- a school student
- an undergraduate
- an honours student.
Prisoners and offenders in custody are not allowed to do research involving contact with other prisoners, offenders or corrective services officers.
Applying to conduct independent research
You should discuss your proposal with us before applying. Email research@dcs.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3006 4103.
You must gain permission to do research by submitting an application to conduct research.
Once we have considered your application, we will advise you of the decision in writing.
After approval
If we approve your application, you must:
- provide proof of ethics committee clearance before you can start
- sign a Deed of Agreement which will state any conditions attached to the research approval. These may include confidentiality or getting approval before you publish your research.
- have a criminal history check. If a criminal history is identified during the check, you will need to seek a waiver to continue with the research.
You must tell a corrective services officer immediately if during your research you get information that leads you to reasonably believe that a prisoner or offender:
- has committed an offence they have not already been charged with
- is planning to commit a serious offence.
QCS Research Grant Scheme
We recognise the importance of high quality research and evaluation to inform agency decisions, and improve outcomes for staff, prisoners and the community.
We are offering 4 research grants valued up to $25,000 in the following categories:
- Managing demand – responding to growth in the corrective services population
- Understanding and responding to the diversity of the offender population – recognising, respecting and valuing diversity
- Effective and efficient service delivery – improving outcomes through evidence-based practice
- Rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners and offenders – supporting individuals to reduce offending and remain in community
What's involved
Applicants are required to:
- propose a research project that aligns with the QCS research priorities
- submit a proposal with clearly defined research questions and methodology, outlining the specific benefit of the project to QCS
- provide QCS with a report of the findings once the project is complete.
This opportunity is open to academics, researchers and research students (with appropriate supervision). Please share with your networks.
How to apply
Register your interest by emailing QCSResearchGrants@dcs.qld.gov.au with the subject heading 'Registration of Interest – Research Grant'
Please include your:
- name
- organisation
- phone number
- email address.
Once registered, we will email you an application package containing:
- Application form
- Application guidelines
- QCS research guidelines
- 2017–2022 strategic research agenda.
More information
Queensland
Datasets
Data on Queensland prisoners, offenders and prisons is publically available in datasets.
Annual reports and service delivery statements
We report on our achievements each year through annual reports and service delivery statements. These provide information on corrective services initiatives.
Australia-wide
Australian Bureau of Statistics
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is Australia's official statistical organisation.
They report on key corrective services data from all states and territories in the following publications:
- Corrective Services, Australia (4512.0)
- Prisoners in Australia (4517.0)
Productivity Commission
The Productivity Commission reports on the performance of corrective services across Australia in its annual Report on Government Services.
Part C includes information on the justice system, and Chapter 8 compares corrective services data from each state and territory.
Australian Institute of Criminology
The Australian Institute of Criminology is Australia's national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice.
Their website has free, evidence-based research, relevant to corrective services.
Corrective services in other states and territories
- New South Wales: Corrective Services NSW
- Victoria: Corrections Victoria
- Tasmania: Corrective Services Tasmania
- South Australia: Department for Correctional Services South Australia
- Western Australia: Corrective Services Western Australia
- Northern Territory: Correctional Services Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory: ACT Corrective Services