Security tightens to stop prison work party escapes

The Department of Corrections is tightening security on external prison work parties to stop inmates from doing a runner.

The department was concerned by the number of prisoners who escaped from work parties in recent years, Acting Prison Services Assistant General Manager Leanne Field said.

"It is our duty to ensure that prisoners remain in our custody and when prisoners escape we have failed in our duty. This is unacceptable not only to ourselves but the public of New Zealand."

Overall the number of breakouts had declined significantly, with about 150 escapes in 1985-1986, compared with 23 in 2007-2008.

Since July 1 2008 there had been 10 escapes, five of which involved a prisoner walking away from a work party.

To reduce the risk the department had reviewed the suitability of every prisoner employed outside the prison, and a small number of prisoners had their employment terminated, Ms Field said.

"We are also critically looking at our security classification system to ensure that it is adequately capturing the risk a prisoner presents outside the prison perimeter, including the risk of them escaping."

The new systems would work only if staff followed the procedures in place, she said.

To ensure this happened the department was improving its audit processes, which involved regular observation to ensure staff compliance.

"We have also strongly reinforced to managers and staff that deliberate failure to follow policy is inexcusable and will lead to disciplinary action."

She said work parties helped reduce reoffending by providing basic work training and preparing prisoners for release.

- NZPA