Simon Power MP
National Party Justice & Corrections Spokesman

09 April 2007

PR priority over prison safety

National’s Justice & Corrections spokesman, Simon Power is appalled that prison bosses are trumping safety with public relations.

He’s commenting after the Dominion Post reported a rampage at Rimutaka Prison, where gang prospects allegedly assaulted a guard and destroyed a day room.

In the article, Corrections Association president Bevan Hanlon said guards had been told by prison management to stand by while the “mini riot” unfolded.

‘They’re afraid of the public reaction if we go in there and do our jobs’, said Mr Hanlon.

“Safety, not public relations must be the priority,” says Mr Power.

“If someone was seriously injured or killed then public relations would come in a distant second.

“Prison staff must be allowed to do their jobs, for everyone’s sake.

“The Corrections Department needs to front up and offer an explanation.”

ENDS

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