Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Cell guards not trained in suicide prevention
Simon Power MP
National Party Law & Order Spokesman
16 July 2006
Cell guards not trained in suicide prevention
Prisoners are being guarded in police cells by security officers who are not trained in suicide prevention, says National’s Law & Order spokesman, Simon Power.
"Answers from Police Minister Annette King confirm that security guards are there to only monitor the prisoners - they do not get suicide-watch training.
“This is concerning, especially considering the number of people being held in police cells, many of them mentally ill and in need of extra care.
“The Police themselves estimate that between 125,000 and 140,000 will go through their cells in 2006/07, of which 7,000 to 8,000 will have either a mental illness or a disability.
"We are entering dangerous territory if many of them are being guarded by untrained people.
“Even Police Commissioner Howard Broad has been quoted as saying there is widespread concern about mental health patients being held in police cells.
“Annette King says the security guards will raise the alarm if there is a problem, but if they have not been trained to recognise the signs, it may be too late by the time they notice something is wrong.
"Not only are prisoners' lives being put at risk because guards are untrained, but the guards and Police could be opening themselves up to a legal minefield.
“At the very least, everyone guarding police cells should be adequately trained."
Attachment: Parliamentary Question 7889
7889 (2006). Simon Power to
the Minister of Police (23 June 2006):
Do security
guards contracted by the New Zealand Police for the purposes
of supervising prisoners in police cells undergo training in
custodial suicide prevention?
Hon Annette King (Minister
of Police) replied: Hon Annette King (Minister of Police)
replies:
Further to my interim response I am advised that
security guards are deployed to monitor prisoners only. In
the event of an incident they raise the alarm with available
police staff.
Page from Police Statement of Intent 2006/07
Click for big version
June 2006 Police News clipping
Click for big version
Ends
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
Family First: Just 1 In 6 Oppose ‘Three Strikes’ - Poll
Labour Party: Budget Blunder Shows Nicola Willis Could Cut Recovery Funding 
Government: Urgent Changes To System Through First RMA Amendment Bill
Peace Movement Aotearoa: Global Military Spending Increase Threatens Humanity And The Planet
