Corrections Statement

Statement to be attributed to Andy Langley, Prison Director, Auckland Prison.

Corrections continues to work closely with Police following an incident at Auckland Prison in May involving allegations of prisoners assaulting staff, and the potential use of excessive force by staff.

A staff member and three prisoners were injured in the incident, and three staff members have been suspended.

Immediately following the incident, I reported it to Police and made changes to the management of the wing where the incident took place.

It also came to my attention that standard procedures in the event of a use of force were allegedly not followed - this too was referred to Police.

Charges have now been laid by Police against three Corrections officers and three prisoners, and we have and will continue to fully support the Police investigation.

A Corrections inspectorate report into the incident, and any connected incidents, is under way alongside a full operational review.

The Corrections Inspectorate is also carrying out a scheduled in-depth inspection of Auckland Prison at the moment, which looks at all aspects of the facility including prisoner welfare. This is the second prison in New Zealand to be subject to such an in-depth review since a new inspection regime was introduced earlier this year.

Having been in the role of Prison Director for four months I am looking forward to receiving the final report which will help inform my priorities for the future and prepare for the transition to the new maximum security prison in mid 2018.

While reviews and investigations are under way we cannot go into any further detail.

Corrections has a zero tolerance to violence policy. No assault or violent behaviour by a prisoner, or a staff member, is acceptable. Anyone who takes part in this kind of behaviour can expect to be prosecuted.

We cannot comment further, as the matter is now before the court.

ENDS

© Scoop Media