Private
prison operator Serco knew about the fight clubs at Mt Eden
18 months ago, but covered it up, says New Zealand
First.
“This foreign company was out of its depth, but
had two options – regain control or call in Corrections.
It did neither and the crisis worsened,” says Corrections
Spokesperson and former Senior Corrections Officer Mahesh
Bindra.
“Finally, Corrections is now starting a review,
but the issues are so many and so overwhelming it’s
getting more comprehensive and longer by the
day.
“It’s too little too late. The Minister of
Corrections, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, should sack Serco and put
prisons back in state management.
“The Prime Minister,
John Key, has said cancellation of the Serco contract is an
option. Surely, the fact that Corrections realises how
massive the problems are is enough.
“Time and again
Serco has proven it can’t manage prisons. If the Minister
can’t stomach the ‘don’t come Monday’ conversation
he must go too,” says Mr
Bindra.
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