News Release
For Immediate Release 27 August 2009

Hostage situation resolved

The Department of Corrections says the hostage situation at Auckland Prison has been successfully resolved without injury to staff or either prisoner.

Northern Regional Manager Warren Cummins praised the professionalism of Corrections staff whose negotiation skills brought the incident to a successful conclusion.

“We regularly train for hostage situations and the conclusion of this incident without injury shows that our training has paid off,” says Mr Cummins.

“The successful resolution of this incident is a testament to the skills of all those involved.”

The incident started after prisoner George Baker took another prisoner hostage at 3.00 pm. The hostage was freed at approximately 1.45 am after Baker gave himself up.

Mr Cummins praised the Police response to the situation.

“Police responded quickly to our call for assistance and provided invaluable support and advice in the management of this incident,” says Mr Cummins.

“It is unclear what led to the incident today and this will not be known until we have had an opportunity to talk to all those involved.

“The prison is now safely locked down and the Department and Police will now be undertaking a full operational debrief.”

The Department will not be making any further comment until late this morning.

ENDS

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