Simon Power National Party Law & Order Spokesman

27 February 2006

R-rated movies don't rehabilitate prisoners

National's Law & Order spokesman, Simon Power, says it is little wonder some rehabilitation programmes are not working when the Corrections Department is letting prisoners watch movies containing graphic violence, nudity, drug abuse and jail breaks.

He today released the latest prisons movie playlist, which includes the ultra-violent Kill Bill, R-rated movies Unspeakable, Messenger of Death, Blood Money, Interview with the Assassin, Murder by Numbers, Wild Things 2 and Sex and Lucia, and car heist movie Gone in 60 Seconds, which police have blamed for copycat car thefts.

"Many movies on the playlist breach the department's own policy on what prisoners can watch. Movies rated R are supposed to be banned, yet there are hundreds of them on the list.

"It is completely unsatisfactory for prisoners to be exposed to these sorts of movies when the department is cutting work programmes and when, by its own admission, many of its rehabilitation programmes are not working.

"I would like the Minister, Damien O'Connor to explain how watching these movies is going to help rehabilitate people so they are ready to contribute to society when they leave prison."

ENDS

© Scoop Media