Opinion
The Government ban on prisoners smoking in jail could lead to increased riots and disorder, the Corrections Department has warned.
But it noted that a long implementation period that included quitting programmes would reduce the risks.
In June, Corrections Minister Judith Collins said prisons would be smoke-free by July 2011. Prisoners would not be able to smoke or carry tobacco or lighters, and prison staff would be allowed to smoke only in designated outdoor areas.
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