Simon Power MP
National Party Justice & Corrections Spokesman

22 May 2007

Corrections' attitude to bribes concerning

Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor must clarify his department's attitude to prison guards bribing prisoners with food to do private work for them, says National's Justice & Corrections spokesman, Simon Power.

He is commenting after fresh reports that guards in Auckland Prison's garage gave special food - including steaks, barbecue food and roasts - to prisoners as payment for work done on their cars.

"Damien O'Connor should explain what his department's policy is.

"I am concerned when I see reports that Corrections aren't interested in commenting when asked if they will investigate the use of the garage, but change their statement when told the Minister said he expects an investigation.

"It was only then that Corrections showed any concern and said it would 'include inquiries into these alleged activities in our current investigations'.

"That initial response is not good enough, and seems to reflect the culture of denial that is prevalent in this department.

"There must be zero tolerance to astounding corruption of this sort.

"Damien O'Connor should be sorting out his department to make sure they know exactly what the public expects of them.

"So far I am not convinced they are committed to stamping this behaviour out."

ENDS

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