Media Release

Corrections Officers demand safe workplace

Corrections Officers’ union delegates who are members of the Public Service Association have today unanimously passed a resolution calling for an immediate, independent and wide-ranging enquiry into the safety of Corrections Officers.

“The safety of Corrections Officers needs to be investigated now rather than waiting for more dangerous incidents to occur,” said Alan Ware, PSA Organiser with responsibility for Corrections.

“The recent hostage situation at Paremoremo was a symptom of wider problems in our public prisons,” said Alan Ware. “With more inmates and longer sentences, the security rating of some prisoners has had to be reduced, resulting in greater danger for Corrections Officers.”

“The government and the department need to take the Corrections Officers call for an enquiry seriously. The Officers are at the frontline in our public prisons and know the reality of dealing with the most violent and dangerous members of our society.”

Alan Ware said that the union does not support arming Corrections Officers as this makes it more likely that inmates will get hold of the weapons and makes the prison more dangerous.

The PSA has written to Damian O’Connor, Minister of Corrections who has indicated that he will meet with the union to discuss the safety of Corrections Officers.

The PSA is New Zealand’s largest union representing over 2,000 prison staff and over 55,000 public service workers in local and central government, health and community services.

ENDS

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