Mahesh Bindra MP
Spokesperson for Corrections
26 SEPTEMBER 2016

Pencils, Spreadsheet Calculations Create Remand Dates Mess

Relying on pencils, calculators and spreadsheets to work out prisoner release dates is the direct cause of massive blundering over prisoner release that could end up costing taxpayers millions, says New Zealand First.

“This was how calculating prisoner release dates was done two years ago,” says Corrections Spokesperson and former Senior Corrections Officer Mahesh Bindra.

“It’s time for new software.

“In what can only be called gross blunders, 21 prisoners have had their prison sentences calculated wrongly according to the Supreme Court, and there could be hundreds more.

“This is a huge embarrassment for the government and Corrections Department and it will be New Zealand taxpayers who will have to foot the bill for probable compensation payments.

“New Zealand First has warned the government about the inadequacies of how release dates were calculated and the lack of training.

“Minister of Corrections Minister Judith Collins has failed to adequately fund police and she has made a hash of Corrections also.

“She needs to come up with money immediately for new software, and training, so Corrections staff can do their job properly,” Mr Bindra says.

ENDS

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