Quake prisoner transfer complete

File photo / NZ Herald

The Corrections Department says it is pleased with the relocation of about 650 prisoners out of quake-stricken Christchurch, the largest number of prisoners it has ever moved in a such a short time.

All up, 127 prisoners from Christchurch Women's Prison have been temporarily moved the to Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility, while prisoners from Christchurch Men's Prison have been moved to Otago Corrections Facility, Spring Hill Corrections Facility, Waikeria Prison, Rimutaka Prison and Wanganui Prison.

Fifty-eight prisoners from the men's prison were moved to Wanganui this afternoon, completing the evacuation.

They were moved because the quake affected the prisons' water systems and there was a risk their' infrastructure might not function properly during an emergency, which could divert emergency services from elsewhere, and place staff, the community and prisoners at risk following Saturday's quake.

However, Wednesday's large aftershock caused greater damage, and prison officials are reassessing what needs to be repaired before the prisoners can house inmates again.

Buses, charter flights and RNZAF Hercules flights were used to transfer the prisoners to other prisons in the North and South islands and they are being double-bunked to create enough room.

Corrections Department acting manager of service support Lance Alexander said the department was pleased with how the movements went, with minimal risk to the safety of the public.

He thanked both the police and the New Zealand Defence Force and others for their help in the shift.

Christchurch prison staff would now recover from an exhausting week and turn heir attention to their homes and the wellbeing of themselves and their families, he said.

Rolleston Prison was not affected by the quake and was operating normally.

Meanwhile, Community Probation Services have set up a special 0800 number for people in Christchurch to call if they have job requests for some of the 2400 offenders on Community Work in Christchurch.

The 0800 COM WRK (0800 266 975) phone number can be used by both community groups and individuals who need assistance.

- NZPA