Darroch Ball

Law and Order Spokesperson

5 May 2019

Tougher Prison Sentences for Inmates Who Attack Corrections Officers

New Zealand First Law and Order spokesperson Darroch Ball is seeking to introduce mandatory cumulative prison sentences for inmates charged with attacking corrections officers.

The Protection of First Responders and Prison Officers Bill, currently before Parliament, seeks to impose a mandatory minimum prison sentence of six months for anyone who deliberately injures a first responder or a corrections officer.

“A provision will be added which will ensure that if a corrections officer is assaulted, extra time will be added onto the inmate’s original sentence, rather than being served concurrently” Mr Ball says.

In the six years up until May 2018, there were almost 2500 reported assaults on Corrections officers, 73 of which resulted in hospitalisation.

“Inmates can’t keep getting away with assaulting corrections officers without serving extra time.”

“This change to the legislation sends a serious message to inmates who think corrections officers are fair game.”

“Corrections officers deserve our protection. They must be able to carry out their work without facing the risk of assault. This added provision takes a targeted approach to dealing with violence perpetrated against guards by convicted criminals” Mr Ball says.

ENDS

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