KEY POINTS:
The Corrections Department will not widen an investigation into allegations of corruption at Rimutaka Prison to include other jails unless more whistleblowers come forward with complaints.
The names of 15 to 20 Rimutaka prison officers have been passed to independent investigators looking into claims that officers there have been smuggling contraband to inmates.
The names came from other prison officers, and investigators are still looking into the allegations.
Whistleblowers have spoken of bribery at the prison and say officers have filled in documents for cell-searches that were not done.
Yesterday the Prime Minister and the Corrections Minister both said there was no immediate need to widen the investigation to other prisons.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said she wanted to see the outcome of the Rimutaka probe before dealing with that issue.
"Often you look at one set of allegations about one place then you may draw the inference that it's either limited to that place or it might be more general. I think we need to see what the independent review...reveals."
A spokesman for Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor said there was no evidence of any corruption at other prisons.
However, if allegations were raised, they would be investigated.
Helen Clark said she had spoken to Mr O'Connor about Rimutaka Prison, and she described the allegations as "completely unacceptable".
Pressure is building on the department, which has had a difficult few months.
It is also dealing with public concern about the death of Liam Ashley in a prison van and the shooting spree involving parolee Graeme Burton, who killed father of two Karl Kuchenbecker.
A so-called "flying squad" of investigators to catch staff smuggling contraband into prisons is being planned.
But patience among even Labour's partners is starting to wear thin. New Zealand First is likely to discuss the possibility of backing a wide-ranging select committee inquiry into the department at its caucus meeting today.
While NZ First could worry that backing an inquiry would only help National - which has been calling for one - it is also in a situation of having campaigned strongly on law and order.
Spokesman Ron Mark said yesterday that his party has been involved in discussions with the Corrections Minister and "we are looking for progress".
"We'll either have a Government taking some action, or something else will happen."
However, Mr Mark emphasised that National was responsible for changes to Corrections that were at the root of many of the department's problems.
National's justice and corrections spokesman, Simon Power, said that public confidence in the department was at "rock bottom".
