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Corrections Welcomes Parole Board Finding

Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews today welcomed the key finding of the independent investigation commissioned by the Parole Board into the circumstances leading to the release from prison of Graeme Burton on parole.

“What the investigation makes clear is that Corrections provided sufficient information in its last psychological report on Burton which was made available to the Board for its last meeting on Burton in June last year. In particular, the Board refers to the April psychological report as being ‘consistent with best practice standards in the field’ (para 128 of the Parole Board report).

“This finding is very much in line with the findings of the Department’s own investigation into the appropriateness of the information provided to the Board. A copy of this report is attached.

“The Parole Board report also raises some issues we weren’t aware of. This includes the identification of areas where the Board’s understanding of some technical aspects, such as the risk classifications used by the Department, could be improved. We will continue to work closely with the Board to facilitate a greater understanding of these technical matters and encourage Board members to seek clarification where appropriate.

“Few would take issue with the comment in the Parole Board report; “To say that release decision making is a challenge is an understatement”. Our role is to assist them in this decision making wherever possible.”

The Chief Executive Barry Matthews, and Katrina Casey General Manager Probation and Offender Services will be available to answer questions at 11am tomorrow. Please come to the 3rd Floor, Mayfair Chambers, 44 The Terrace.

ENDS

See... Report on the Pre-Release Reports Provided to the New Zealand Parole Board on Prisoner Graeme Burton in 2006

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