27 August 2009 Media Statement

Safety of prison officers no priority for National

The National Government has made it clear it has little time for Corrections staff, so it is not surprising it is progressing its plan to double bunk prisoners and stick them in containers whatever impact this has on staff safety, says Labour law and order spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove.

“Both Finance Minister Bill English and Corrections Minister Judith Collins have recently been severely critical of Corrections staff, and have made it plain they don’t consider it important to listen to their views,” Clayton Cosgrove said.

“But these are the people on the front line, and even someone with the most basic understanding should grasp the fact that no prison policy can work if staff aren’t supported.

“National is locking people up willy nilly, but seems remarkably reluctant to commit itself to any long-term policy of building new prisons, and trying to ensure that inmates are given the rehabilitation they may need to prevent them re-offending,” Clayton Cosgrove said.

“The Collins-English approach is to lock them up and let the staff look after themselves if double-bunking turns nasty.

ENDS

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