Robert Dougherty 
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to be released on 19 November for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S; however, the title, expected to be one of the largest entertainment and video game launches in human history, is outlawed under the West Australian Department of Justice’s Operating Policies and Procedures.
Speaking with the West Australian Department of Justice, it’s confirmed that prisoners can purchase electronic entertainment devices at their own expense, including gaming consoles, as part of the approved property permitted inside correctional facilities, although restrictions on content, supervision levels, and electronic devices govern what they can access.
R-rated and X-rated DVDs and games are prohibited, effectively ruling out Grand Theft Auto VI, according to a West Australian Department of Justice spokesman.
“Prisoners in Western Australia have access to a television in their cell. They’re also able to use electronic devices such as approved gaming consoles and DVD players, purchased at their own expense,” the spokesman said.
“The number of devices prisoners may have in their cell depends on their supervision level, which is determined by behaviour in prison. These privileges may be withdrawn if a device is misused or a prisoner has engaged in poor behaviour … There are content restrictions on DVDs and games.”
Questions remain about the use of gaming devices and online gaming services in prison; modern consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch devices offer internet-connected features, including multiplayer gaming, digital marketplaces, and online communication services – particularly fraught features for prisoners.
It’s understood that all inmate consoles must operate entirely offline, with any built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or internet connectivity hardware removed or disabled.
A 2018 report by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services found that the West Australian government provides poor access to digital technology for people in custody. The report also found that secure web-based systems and other technologies offer opportunities to increase program and education services in custody.
“There is no centralised coordination or strategy to develop digital technology for people in custody. As a result, progress has been ad hoc, and opportunities have been missed. We have fallen behind other states and territories,” said inspector Neil Morgan.
“We are particularly concerned about the impact of poor access to technology on accessing legal information. These days, the majority of legal practice is electronic, not paper-based. People in custody have the right to view such material in order to prepare their case or discuss a plea. Lawyers told us that, in their view, Departmental policies were not only hindering their ability to share information with clients but were also inconsistently applied.”
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