Custodial Operations is administered under the Corrections Management Act 2007, section 17 of which establishes Correctional Centres in the ACT. The General Manager is responsible for directing and controlling the operations of ACT Correctional facilities. The facilities main objectives are to carry out the mandate of the court and to ensure the provision of safe care and secure accommodation to those in custody in a controlled environment. The facilities have a responsibility to address a duty of care for each individual, accommodating both genders and a variety of cultures.
The Alexander Maconochie Centre emphasises rehabilitation, compliance with Human Rights principles and adherance to the Healthy Prison Concept. A Healthy Prison is one in which: everyone is and feels safe (detainees, staff and visitors alike); everyone is treated with respect and as a fellow human being (again, all people within the AMC); everyone is encouraged to improve him/herself and is given every opportunity to do so through the provision of purposeful activity; and everyone is enabled to maintain contact with their families and is prepared for release.
The Court Transport Unit is responsible for transporting detainees between interstate correctional centres and the ACT; transporting detainees (including juveniles) within the ACT; and the provision of safe and secure custody of detainees in ACT Courts.