For Immediate Release 11 November 2014

Please attribute to Ray Smith, Chief Executive, Department of Corrections.

“Temporary releases from prison of prisoners will be suspended, for at least the next fortnight,” says Corrections Chief Executive Ray Smith.

“Only in exceptional circumstances will these be allowed during this period and only then on approval by one of our four Regional Commissioners, our most senior operational officers.

“This follows the unauthorised departure from New Zealand of high profile prisoner Phillip Smith who had been under the supervision of a sponsor while on a temporary release from Spring Hill Prison.

“This is a very serious incident. It should never have happened and I want to reassure the public that we are taking steps to understand how this occurred to prevent it happening again.

“The decision to stop temporary release of prisoners will be in force for at least the next two weeks, while we complete a comprehensive review of our processes and look at where we need to tighten our policies.

“The only exception will be prisoners involved in Release to Work and those released to supervised programmes. For prisoners who have special circumstances, e.g. a family bereavement or tangi, escorted temporary removal is still available as an option.

“Corrections’ Chief Custodial Officer arrived at Spring Hill Prison today to begin the investigation into the circumstances that allowed Mr Smith’s breach of custody.

“We are also working closely with the Police to help ensure this prisoner’s return to New Zealand.”

ENDS

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