Corrections Officers arrested following joint investigation

A joint operation between the Department of Corrections and Auckland City Police resulted in this morning’s arrest of two Corrections Officers who work at Mt Eden and Auckland Central Remand Prisons.

The two men have been charged with a number offences under the Corrections Act. One has also been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Both will appear in court today.

In addition to criminal charges being laid, the officers have been stood down from their employment and will be subject to further investigation.

“These charges are the result of a long running investigation between the Department’s Professional Standards Unit (PSU) and Police,” says Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews.

“The charges that these men are now facing demonstrates the vigilance and effectiveness of our monitoring systems.”

Mr Matthews says that the Department will be continuing its investigations and will not hesitate to investigate any staff member who is suspected of acting unethically.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge the Police for their cooperation and assistance during the investigation. This development is a testament to good relationships within the wider justice sector.”

As these matters are now before the Court no further comment will be made at this time.

ENDS

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