Profits Before People Unacceptable in Our Prisons

New Zealand First is calling for Corrections to explain why low security prisoners are being treated harshly at Springhill Prison in Huntly.

“These are the very people who have a good chance of rehabilitation, but keeping them locked away for long hour and depriving them of exercise and sunlight could well have the reverse effect,” says Corrections Spokesperson Mahesh Bindra.

“We are not for one moment saying that those sentenced to prison should not be serving their time, but this is New Zealand, a First World country, and we have a duty of care.
“We understand the low security rated prisoners were moved without notice in February from Rangipo prison in Turangi, to the high security unit at Springhill Prison.

“The relocated prisoners have been kept locked in their cells for up to 19 hours because there are not enough staff. Corrections refuses to call staff back and pay overtime.

“Who knows what will happen when the prisoners finally have enough of being cooped up – a riot?

“It’s all about profits and bottom lines for this government – this is unacceptable.

“If Corrections are ever going to meet their target of 25 per cent reduction in re-offending, this sort of treatment of prisoners and focus on profits has to stop,” says Mr Bindra.

ENDS

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