19 AUGUST 2015

Serco Cost-Cutting Results in Serious Attack on Prison Officer

Just six weeks after the privately run Auckland South prison opened, a staff member was attacked by a prisoner and suffered serious head injuries, says New Zealand First.

“This attack was a direct result of private operator Serco not employing enough staff for all shifts in the prison,” says Corrections Spokesperson and former Senior Corrections Officer Mahesh Bindra.

“Simply put, this big corporation is cost cutting in the name of profit.

“Minister of Corrections Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga claimed in Parliament today, when questioned by New Zealand First, that he had been assured staffing levels were adequate. He needs to take a closer look.

“The Minister insists Serco-run prisons are safe. We disagree. This serious assault and other incidents, many going unreported by Serco, are evidence the Minister is wrong.

“Serco’s staffing and rostering does not ensure adequate staff-to-prisoner ratios, putting both staff and prisoners at risk.

“The government should never have contracted a private, profit-making company to run prisons,” says Mr Bindra.

ENDS

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