PSA MEDIA RELEASE
February 14, 2008
For Immediate Use

PSA Welcomes Finding of No Systemic Corruption at Rimutaka Prison

The PSA welcomes the thorough and independent investigation into allegations
of corruption at Rimutaka Prison.

"We are pleased that the investigation has shown that there is no systemic
corruption at Rimutaka," says PSA National Secretary, Richard Wagstaff.

"It has exposed individual instances where the behaviour of prison staff has
lacked integrity and these have been dealt with."

"This should lift the cloud of suspicion that has hung over staff at
Rimutaka."

The PSA also welcomes the extra support and training that has been provided
for staff at the prison as a result of the Rimutaka Improvement Project.

"This, combined with the changes to prison management structure nationwide,
will mean that Rimutaka and prisons through out the country, are better
equipped to handle the demands of managing their inmates," says Richard
Wagstaff.

The PSA also welcomes the Corrections Department'sassurances that it will
continue to look at improving its processes and policies.

"The union will work with the department on this as we share the same goal
of having a highly effective, well run, prison service," says Richard
Wagstaff.

The PSA has just under 2000 members working for the Corrections Department,
with 800 of these working in prisons

ENDS

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