Please attribute to Ray Smith, Chief Executive, Department of Corrections

Over the past week I have been dealing with a series of serious allegations involving the operation of Mount Eden Corrections Facility run by Serco.

They involve assaults among prisoners and allegations of mistreatment of prisoners within this facility.

I have asked the Chief Inspector of Prisons to investigate these claims and have sought the assistance of the Ombudsman to provide independent oversight.

The public has the right to know that their prisons, run by Corrections or by a private company, meet the standards that we’ve come to expect – the bottom line is that prisoners must be safe when serving their sentences.

I have learned today that another prisoner transported this week from MECF to one of our other prisons has arrived there with injuries and he has made serious allegations about his treatment at MECF.

I feel I now must consider taking firmer steps to ensure the safety of prisoners and staff.

I am therefore taking legal advice and considering the full range of options available to me in our contract with Serco who run this facility.

I will be giving these options my full attention and intend to meet with the Minister to discuss these options.

Once a decision is made I will be able to comment further.

ENDS

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