20 May 2004
Hon Paul Swain Minister of Corrections Executive Wing Parliament Buildings
Dear Minister
I am writing to ask you to initiate a commission of inquiry into the manner in which the Corrections Department has
investigated and dealt with the widely reported instances of inappropriate relationships between inmates and prison
officers.
Inappropriate relationships between inmates and prison officers do not only compromise security but they bring the
prison service into disrepute and seriously undermine the integrity of the Corrections Department and it’s staff.
Especially where they involve sex or romantic liaisons.
It is the view of the New Zealand First Party that the Corrections Departments failure to properly investigate how, when
and why these relationships occurred prevents it from responsibly determining or understanding the risk environment, any
systemic shortfalls or any deficiencies in the staff selection process, supervision/support. It also prevents the
Department from identifying any possibilities of staff being blackmailed, coerced or perhaps of their misusing their
position of authority.
As a Minister we do not believe you cannot ignore your Departments Occupational Safety and Health obligations or any
issues of abuse of vulnerable inmates and or Prison Officers.
This is a serious issue that must be investigated understood and effectively curbed. I urge you most sincerely to put
together an independent commission of inquiry and thoroughly and comprehensively investigate this matter.
Yours sincerely
Ron Mark MP New Zealand First
ENDS