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The four Corrections staff accused of letting a convicted rapist have conjugal visits while receiving treatment at Wellington Hospital have been cleared.
It is understood the inmate, Trevor Robinson, was allowed properly supervised visits from his partner, but the only evidence of anything sexual taking place had come from a whisper on the prison grapevine.
The officers, from Rimutaka Prison, were stood down in March. The two accused of allowing the incident in February have been fully reinstated, while the other two - accused of sleeping on duty - are awaiting disciplinary action.
Acting Wellington regional manager Leanne Field said the investigation had found that "no sexual contact had occurred".
"The employment investigation into the two officers alleged to have been asleep on duty has also been completed. While these officers have returned to work, decisions on any disciplinary action have yet to be taken."
Corrections Association president Beven Hanlon praised the outcome but criticised how quickly the department had come down on the officers.
"It's good that there is integrity in the department in treating allegations seriously, but it's bitter because they were only suspended because of all the pressure on managers at the time."
The only evidence against them was hearsay.
"My understanding is that someone thought they overheard a conversation and that shouldn't be enough to suspend someone."
Robinson is believed to have testicular cancer and was required to give the doctor a sperm sample.
The rumour was that his girlfriend had been brought in to assist but it was wrong. Mr Hanlon said an officer had remained handcuffed to him while the prisoner obtained the sample.
"It's not the best job in the world, even worse when you get suspended for it."
The Public Service Association, whose members were not involved, agreed that Rimutaka should take a more considered approach.
"While we respect the department's right to investigate, it's a bit heavy-handed to be suspending people left, right and centre," said PSA Corrections spokesman Graham Cuffley.
"Prisoners are now aware that if they make an allegation, it is likely to have a serious impact on someone's professional standing - whether or not it has substance - and that is in part due to the present climate.
"It's a serious thing to be stood down from work. It encourages gossip, speculation and it makes reintegration into the workforce far more difficult."
Ms Field said the department had to take quick action, given how serious the claims were and the scrutiny the prison was under because of the corruption investigation.
"The department always takes swift action on serious allegations. It would be highly irresponsible not to investigate such claims and we stand by our procedures."
Rimutaka Corrections officer Rakai Tawhiwhirangi, who was sacked for alleged assault but cleared by the Employment Relations Authority, has also returned to work.
But it is understood he has been restricted to part-time hours while the department appeals the decision to the Employment Court.
There are at present 10 suspended uniformed officers nationwide, including seven from Rimutaka: four accused of smuggling contraband, one of having an inappropriate relationship and two of assault.
One officer from the northern region and two from the southern are also under investigation for alleged corruption.
In addition, four non-uniformed employment instructors have been suspended from Auckland Prison and Wellington regional manager Dave East was suspended in March.
Meanwhile, the management ranks at Rimutaka Prison have had another reshuffle. Paul Rushton is now acting prison manager in place of Chris Smith, who has returned from sick leave and been bumped down to assistant prison manager.
This comes after Mr East was replaced by Ms Field. Mr East and Mr Smith are understood to be considering personal grievance cases against the department.
* The prison was again the centre of attention at the weekend when 15 inmates took control of a section of the youth offenders unit.
Several inmates climbed on to the roof, damaging buildings, and were talked down, ending a five-hour incident. A prison spokesman said no staff were injured and the incident would be fully investigated.
- additional reporting NZPA
