All Australian immigration detainees to be handcuffed while travelling, US company says after spate of escapes

Exclusive: Documents viewed by Guardian Australia reveal private prison contractor told staff ‘restraints must be used’ for all risk levels

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The American private prison company running Australia’s onshore immigration detention system has ordered that all detainees be handcuffed while travelling – regardless of whether they pose a risk – after a string of security lapses.

More than a dozen escapes or attempted escapes have taken place since the Management and Training Corporation (MTC) began operating the immigration detention centres last March, having won a $2.3bn contract with the Department of Home Affairs.