Prison inspection report released for Waikeria Prison

The Office of the Inspectorate today released an inspection report into Waikeria Prison.

Inspections provide a ‘window into prisons’, giving early warning of emerging risks and challenges, and highlighting areas of innovation and good practice.

“The report highlights some of the pressures that Waikeria Prison and other prisons face,” says Chief Inspector Janis Adair. “This includes the challenges associated with ageing facilities, a rising prison population, pressure on staffing and barriers to rehabilitation.

“It also highlights some significant successes, including parts of the prison programme that have effectively supported prisoners to make positive changes.”

Inspections are carried out against a set of healthy prison standards derived from United Nations guidelines on the treatment of people in detention. These standards consider all aspects of prison life, with a particular focus on four guiding principles:

• Safety: Prisoners are held safely
• Respect: Prisoners are treated with respect for human dignity
• Rehabilitation: Prisoners are able, and expect, to engage in activity that is likely to benefit them
• Reintegration: Prisoners are prepared for release into the community and helped to reduce their likelihood of re-offending

This is the third inspection report released since the Office of the Inspectorate’s role was enhanced and its functions were expanded last year.

The Office of the Inspectorate is part of the Department of Corrections, but is required to act independently in its inspections and other investigations. The Office of the Inspectorate also carries out investigations into complaints from people under Correction’s management, investigates all deaths in custody, and can be tasked to carry out special investigations.
The report can be found here:
http://www.corrections.govt.nz/about_us/who_we_are/office_of_the_inspectorate/media_release_prison_inspection_report_released_for_waikeria_prison.html

Ends

Note: For context and completeness, this statement should be viewed alongside Corrections’ response to the Waikeria Report:
http://www.corrections.govt.nz/news/latest_news/waikeria_prison_takes_steps_to_quickly_address_issues.html

© Scoop Media