Corrections Commissioner Matthew Varley says an extra 85 G4S officers will be deployed by the end of the year doing prisoner escorts, hospital bed sits, and watchhouse duties across the NT, with the aim of providing a 24/7 service.

He told Katie Woolf G4S staff will operate a custody transfer station at the Darwin City watchhouse which will house 50 people on remand while they wait for a prison bed, adding that a safety audit will be conducted on the facility to prevent prisoner escapes.

Deputy Commissioner of Youth Justice Sasha Dennis says she met with youth justice officers about the Youth Justice Reforms last night and they welcomed the changes including the use of spit guards, which will improve the workplace and enhance safety and security.

She told Katie Woolf there are currently 59 youths in detention who are made to attend school from 9am to 2.30pm and then participate in tailored programs.

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