Simon Power National Party Law & Order Spokesman

30 March 2006

Another reason for a review of prisons

A breach of security at Rimutaka Prison, during which prisoners were able to leave their cells undetected, provides still more ammunition for a full review into Corrections, says National's Law & Order spokesman, Simon Power.

"This is not an isolated incident, and it must be clear to most people by now that we have a major problem in Corrections.

"Late last year there was a rash of escapes and assaults on guards, and we also had the incident at Ngawha when prisoners were able to leave their cells and wander around at night and make cups of tea in the staff cafeteria.

"Incidents such as this are very worrying, and it's not good enough for the Minister to just say that 'public safety was not at risk' and that 'the facility is secure and the prisoners were not able to leave the unit'.

"If these prisoners were from the high security unit, as has been suggested, then it should be of even greater concern.

"It is also a concern that this happened on Sunday night but was not reported until today.

"Nothing less than a full review is needed to assure the public that all the problems in Corrections will be looked at," says Mr Power.

ENDS

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