Friday, 1 June 2007

Getting tough on contraband only half the battle - Dunne

United Future Leader Peter Dunne, while pleased that the Government is finally cracking down on contraband in prisons, is concerned that the root cause of the drug culture is being overlooked.

The Government is planning amendments to the Corrections Act 2004 which will strengthen the control over contraband in prisons through additional search, detection and offence provisions, particularly in relation to drugs and unauthorised communication equipment.

“While I agree that this proposal may reduce the access to some illegal drugs in prisons, I consider it as only half-addressing the problem,” said Mr Dunne.

In response to parliamentary questions last year regarding the numbers of inmates that suffer from alcohol or drug habits the Minister of Corrections response was that, “an answer would require a review of all individual hard copy and electronic prisoner health files. I do not consider this a good use of departmental resources.”

“In my opinion, the information about a prisoner’s alcohol or drug addictions should be readily available and easily accessed for the successful rehabilitation of that person.”

“It is well-known that the majority of inmates in New Zealand prisons have a drug or alcohol addiction and yet only 4% of those with an addiction are provided with specialist treatment services.”

“I have talked to parole officers, past and present inmates, the Prison Fellowship and the Salvation Army and they all tell me that alcohol and drug abuse is one of the most common contributors to the high rate of recidivism in New Zealand.”

“It seems that the Government chooses to ignore this issue.”

“United Future believes very strongly that incarceration should be aimed at rehabilitating an inmate in the expectation that once released they can make a worthwhile and positive contribution to society,” concluded Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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