A look behind the wire at life on the inside is the aim of a new television series that began airing on TV One last month.
Filmed at Rimutaka Prison near Wellington, the series - called Locked Down - offers a rare glimpse of prison life through the eyes of staff and prisoners.
Public Prisons Service General Manager Phil McCarthy says Locked Down is a ‘warts and all’ look at everyday life in prison.
“We chose Rimutaka Prison because, as well as being one of our larger prisons, it has a wide range of specialist units, including a youth unit and Maori focus unit, along with the country’s only violence prevention and faith-based units.
“There are a lot of myths about prison life. Some people think it’s too easy, others that it’s too tough. I am extremely proud of the work our staff do everyday to manage offenders, often in difficult and challenging situations.”
Phil says that, while the series involved a significant commitment from Corrections and Rimutaka staff in particular, the end product was well worth it.
“Prison staff do a fantastic job and make an invaluable contribution to protecting the public and reducing re-offending.
“I hope people who watch Locked Down will come away with a much better appreciation of prison life and the professional, committed staff who work in our prisons.”
Locked Down was produced by Screentime Ltd (formerly Screentime Communicado), one of New Zealand’s most experienced film and television production companies. Along with popular actuality series such as Police Ten 7 and Airforce, the company has also produced successful feature films including Crooked Earth, Rain, Once Were Warriors and Broken English.
Producer Sue Killian hopes Locked Down will demystify the work that Corrections staff do as well as build public empathy and understanding of an often misunderstood community.
“Screentime would like to thank Rimutaka Prison staff and everyone who assisted with the production. With over 200 hours of footage shot, not everyone who helped could be included in the series, but please be assured that your time and cooperation was greatly appreciated,” added Sue.
It's hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner and that some 10 months have passed since I took up the job of Chief Executive.
It would be fair to say that the year has not been without its challenges. Corrections has been in the limelight one way or another a lot of the time. The public has wanted to be assured that robust procedures are in place to ensure their ongoing safety and that our prisons are secure. At the same time we have had to grapple with far higher than anticipated prisoner numbers.
Despite the pressure, I think everyone within the Department can be rightly proud of a year’s work well done. This is not to say that there isn’t room to improve the way we do things. Continuous improvement is, or should be, an ongoing driver for any organisation.
Christmas, however, provides the opportunity to pause for a moment and celebrate our successes.
One thing that has continued to impress me is the dedication and professionalism of the staff across the Department. When I started I made the quite deliberate decision to spend as much time as possible meeting staff from all parts of the Department, getting their ideas and thoughts, and feeding these back into the organisation at a high level. Talking with you has given me a better understanding of the issues facing staff on a daily basis and the complexity of the environment in which we all operate. I have been able to witness first hand the good work that goes on across the board. I am looking forward to doing more of this in 2006 and to meeting those of you I haven’t already.
All that remains is for me to wish everyone all the very best over the festive season and a bright and prosperous 2006. And don’t forget Think Safe.
Jackie Katounas and Kim Workman of Prison Fellowship New Zealand (PFNZ) were joint recipients of the 2005 International Prize for Restorative Justice.
The prize recognises significant contributions to advancing restorative justice around the world and is presented every two years by the Centre for Justice and Reconciliation at Prison Fellowship International (PFI).
Jackie is a former prisoner who now facilitates victim-offender meetings within New Zealand prisons and Kim is a former manager of the prison service and PFNZ’s National Director. PFNZ has been facilitating meetings between serious offenders in prison and their victims for the last three years.
“Our experience is that where both parties are ready and willing to take part in such a meeting, the results are very positive,” says Kim. “Victims have the opportunity to tell the prisoner about the impact the offence has had on their lives and the lives of their family.
Prisoners are able to address their guilt and shame by taking responsibility for their actions and expressing remorse.”
Jackie, who as Manager of Restorative Justice Services for PFNZ facilitates most of the victim-offender meetings, says the results of meetings between prisoners and their victims challenge popular thinking about the role of restorative justice in serious violent crime.
“In most cases, the victims experience healing and gain understanding into why the offence was committed,” says Jackie. “In many cases, the offenders are able to front up for past behaviour, and then move on to address issues that contributed to their offending.”
Jackie says motives for the meetings can vary. “In some instances, victims want to seek assurance they will not be harassed or harmed when the offender is released. In others, the victims want an opportunity to talk about the impact of the offence on their lives. Offenders more regularly seek an opportunity to express remorse for harm caused and seek forgiveness. Most times it is forthcoming - sometimes not.”
The faith-based unit at Rimutaka Prison, He Korowai Whakapono, recently celebrated its second year of operation.
He Korowai Whakapono was developed in partnership by Corrections and the Prison Fellowship of New Zealand (PFNZ).
Both organisations have an interest in breaking the cycle of offending and helping offenders make a positive start when they return to the community.
He Korowai Whakapono is based on similar units that have achieved good results in reducing re-offending rates overseas.
Corrections' Communications Unit receives many requests to film, photograph or interview prisoners. Every request must be considered with reference to the requirements of regulations 108 and 109 of the Corrections Regulations 2005.
Applications for anyone to interview, film, photograph, or record a prisoner are approved or declined only after careful consideration. Approval requires the prior written approval of both the prisoner concerned and the Chief Executive. The regulations require the Chief Executive to consider, among other things, the interests of people other than the prisoner, and to consider security and order at the prison. The regulations don’t allow interviewing, filming, photographing, or recording if the prisoner doesn’t understand the nature and purpose of the request, or the possible consequences of publication or broadcast for the prisoner or others.
Strategic Services General Manager Mike Martelli, who oversees the approval process, says the regulations balance a number of competing rights.
“The public’s ‘right to know’ is not an unlimited right. The regulations require us to consider the rights of people other than the prisoner, and victims’ rights are foremost in our minds. Also, while some prisoners may want to be interviewed, some don’t and they have a right to privacy.”
If the Chief Executive approves the request, the regulations allow him to impose any conditions reasonably necessary to protect the interests of people other than the prisoner, or to maintain the security and order of the prison. For example, a request might be approved on condition that the identity of the prisoner is not revealed if the victim might be affected by media coverage.
The regulations apply to anyone - including Corrections staff - wanting to interview, film, photograph, or record prisoners for publication or broadcast. They apply to all media - whether or not for publication or broadcast. Anyone interviewing a prisoner on behalf of media - for example a lawyer asking a client questions for a reporter to use - also needs approval.
Anyone wanting approval to interview, film, photograph or record a prisoner should contact the Communications Unit on (04) 460 3365 or by mailto:commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
Corrections and other government agencies are responding to warnings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that an influenza pandemic is inevitable and may be imminent.
As a result, the Senior Management Team has reconvened the Business Continuity Planning Working Group to plan and manage Corrections’ response to a pandemic.
Corporate Management Project Manager Peter Wallwork says a pandemic outbreak in New Zealand would significantly impact on Corrections’ operations.
“We are looking at what essential services would need to be maintained in the event of a pandemic, how to address issues specific to Corrections, and how to ensure there is enough staff to provide the required services.
“Representatives from across the groups and services at national, regional and site level will be involved in developing our approach to a potential pandemic.”
Peter says Corrections is also involved in a whole-of-government approach to preparing for an influenza pandemic.
“Planning requires all government agencies to work together to minimise the impact of a pandemic in New Zealand. The Ministry of Health is leading the Government’s planning, with support from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,” says Peter.
The Ministry of Health has set up a number of advisory groups to look at issues such as border management, maintaining law and order, and managing the impact on society. Corrections is part of the law and order group lead by the Police.
A number of countries are experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1, also known as bird flu, mainly in poultry. The WHO is concerned that H5N1 could mutate, or mix with a human influenza virus, resulting in a new strain that could be passed easily from person to person. This new virus could infect many people and spread rapidly around the world, resulting in a pandemic.
Peter says that, while this scenario may not eventuate, it is still important we are all prepared.
“Pandemics have occurred with regular frequency and it is inevitable that another one will occur at some time - we just don’t know whether it will be in five days or 15 years.”
For further information visit: Ministry of Health Website.
The hard work and commitment of staff from the Public Prisons Service’s Midland region was recognised recently in a longservice awards ceremony at Wanganui Prison, where Chief Executive Barry Matthews presented awards to 34 staff.
Senior Corrections Officer Jon Cowan and Corrections Inmate Employment Catering Manager Len Wood were recognised for 28 years’ service. Wanganui Prison Administration Team Leader Wendall Hart’s 39 years of loyal service were also recognised.
Staff, friends, family, and local dignitaries gathered together to celebrate the occasion.
Special guests included the local Member of Parliament Chester Borrows, Senior Prison Inspector Gren Bell and Wanganui Prison Manager Tony Howe.
“It is always great to be at one of these ceremonies,” says Tony, who is in his 31st year of service.
“We all know this isn’t an easy job and it is always rewarding to see staff continue their careers in Corrections.”
Auckland Prison’s at-risk prisoners will be cared for in a new, larger at-risk unit, built to Corrections’ national guidelines.
The 10-bed unit was recently unveiled and named Te Hikoi, referring to prisoners’ journey back to wellbeing, at a dawn ceremony. There are now 160 at-risk cells across the country.
Unit Manager Murray Frew says Te Hikoi will help care for some of Auckland Prison’s most vulnerable prisoners.
“Te Hikoi will accommodate prisoners with acute behavioural disorders who cannot be managed appropriately and safely in the mainstream prison,” says Murray.
“New technology and new design features will allow easier observation of prisoners deemed at risk. There’s an intercom system, blue lights in the cells so we can observe prisoners without waking them up, and plenty of natural daylight to ease the prisoners’ state of mind. We want to minimise the risk of prisoner self-harm or injury to prisoners and staff.”
All prisoners received into prison are assessed and any prisoner identified as atrisk is moved to an at-risk cell.
Over 50 staff, guests and media attended Te Hikoi’s unveiling at Auckland Prison’s East Division. A group of prisoners helped facilitate the day and their kapa haka group took centre stage, performing a wero and powhiri for guests.
The recent planting of 30 hectares of Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) land has seen the completion of the first stage of a long term project to develop premium pine trees with Ensis, a partnership between New Zealand’s forestry Crown Research Institute Scion and Australia’s CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).
Known as ‘the 20/20 Clearpine project’, it links the land management skills of CIE with Ensis’ world-leading expertise in tree breeding, plant propagation and nursery systems to produce high quality cuttings for forest nurseries around the country.
Under the watchful eyes of Christchurch-based Project Manager Stu Whyte, Forestry Instructors Fred Corfield and Willie Tulloch, and Ensis Project Coordinator Grant Holden, prisoners from Tongariro/Rangipo and Rolleston Prisons planted out the initial tree stock, called stoolbeds, that will provide new generation pinus radiata cuttings.
The large, labour-intensive process involved establishing over 650,000 plants at two sites in only 12 weeks.
“As plants have to be carefully monitored and tracked throughout their lifespan, high standards and accuracy are required,” says Stu. “Every plant has a unique identification number and must be planted in a specific order to enable future identification to supply cuttings of known pedigree.
“Care and attention to detail are critical and prisoners are learning skills that will help them on release. It is a testament to the dedication of the CIE team that after 650,000 plants, there is not one in the wrong spot. This 100 percent accuracy in deployment is truly remarkable.
“The project with Ensis shows that prisoner industries are capable of working with commercial organisations and producing products that meet international standards,” says Stu.
Next May, over one million cuttings can be taken from the nursery beds and supplied to specialist forest nursery operations.
They will be grown for a year before being on-sold to forestry companies. In 2007, the plants will be big enough to yield up to seven million cuttings.
“This is a project that will hugely benefit the New Zealand forestry sector,” says Ensis Project Coordinator Grant Holden.
“CIE was the ideal facility with the capability and resources to help Ensis establish a project of this size.”
There are many misconceptions about managing maximum security prisoners. As with the management of all prisoners, security and safety of the public remains the number one priority.
New Zealand’s maximum security prisoners are held at Auckland Prison (East Division) at Paremoremo.
“Not all prisoners classified maximum security are those convicted of violent offences or sentenced to life imprisonment,” says Auckland Prison Manager Bryan Christy. “However, most do have a history of violence or have become a security risk in the prison system.”
So how does a prisoner end up as maximum security? Every prisoner is assessed on entering prison and assigned a security classification that reflects the level of risk they pose and the level of supervision they require.
This level of risk relates to the risk the prisoner poses to the public, staff and other prisoners. It also takes into account the prisoner’s risk of escaping.
Prisoners classified as maximum security have been determined as presenting a high risk of escape, likelihood of threatened or real physical harm to others, or of engaging or inciting others to engage in serious illegal activities.
They are disruptive, or behave destructively to the extent that managing them within the mainstream prison population is detrimental to maintaining good order.
Because of these risks, maximum security prisoners have a higher level of supervision in a more restrictive environment. Maximum security prisoners spend more time in their cells, and there is a higher staff to prisoner ratio, as they require a more intensive level of supervision. Prisoner employment and other programmes are restricted to those that can be delivered within the unit.
Sometimes a maximum security prisoner is temporarily held in another prison for a court appearance. This means that while they may not be held in a specialist maximum security cell, they are held in the highest level of security available in the prison, and are managed as a maximum security prisoner.
Prisoners’ security ratings are reviewed every six months, or more often if necessary. Security ratings can and do change - a prisoner who becomes an escape risk, or behaves violently towards another prisoner or person may be reclassified and transferred to maximum security.
New Zealand’s prison population has continued to grow, with prisoner numbers reaching more than 7,550 during November and December.
Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews says prisoner numbers have continued to increase steadily, despite earlier predictions numbers would ease around September/October.
The cooperation of the Police and the Ministry of Justice has been integral to Corrections’ management of increased prisoner numbers, says Barry.
“We are very grateful for their cooperation and willingness to work with us. “I also want to express my appreciation of the efforts of prison staff and management, who have worked hard over the last 12 months to keep our prisons running smoothly. I have been impressed by the professionalism and dedication of staff across the Department in response to the challenges presented by the increasing prison population.”
During 2005, Corrections made significant progress on its programme to construct an additional 493 beds at existing prisons. The Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF), which received its first prisoners in April, reached its initial operating capacity of 350 in October. Three new corrections facilities are also being constructed that, with NRCF, will add 1,600 beds to the prison system. The Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility will open in 2006, followed by the Otago Region Corrections Facility and the Spring Hill Corrections Facility in 2007. In total, more than 2,000 new prison beds will be added to the prison system by mid-2007.
The current Ministry of Justice forecast predicts an increase in the average prison population of 20 percent over the five year period from June 2005, reaching 8,685 by June 2010.
Corrections is working with other justice sector agencies to consider options for managing increasing prisoner numbers, says Barry.
“We are also in discussions with the unions representing corrections officers to identify options for maximising existing prison capacity.”
Prisoner numbers are expected to ease over the Christmas/New Year period.
High risk of escape and/or public harm and/or internal risk. Intensive level of supervision. Separated from the mainstream prison population.
High risk of escape with a moderate to high risk to the public and/or internal risk. High level of supervision.
Low level of internal risk and escape. However, may be a risk to public safety.
Minimal risk of escape, internal risk or public safety. Lower level of supervision.
|
Type of facility |
Name/Location |
Number of beds added to the prison system |
|---|---|---|
|
New |
Northland Region Corrections Facility |
350 |
| Existing | Hawke’s Bay Prison |
60 |
| Existing |
Wanganui |
140 |
|
Existing |
Christchurch Men’s Prison |
60 |
| Existing | Christchurch Women’s Prison |
40 |
| Existing |
Rimutaka Prison |
170* |
|
Existing |
Tongariro/Rangipo Prison |
23* |
|
New |
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility |
286 |
|
New |
Spring Hill Region Corrections Facility |
650 |
|
New |
Otago Region Corrections Facility |
335 |
* Due for completion by mid-2006.
Hon Damien O’Connor was recently sworn in as the new Minister of Corrections, and is looking forward to applying his years of political experience to his new role.
“Corrections is an interesting and challenging portfolio. Some of the issues are complex and the increasing prisoner numbers are putting the justice sector as a whole, but the Department of Corrections in particular, under pressure,” says Mr O’Connor.
First elected to Parliament as the MP for West Coast in 1993, Mr O’Connor has held the West Coast-Tasman electorate since the first MMP election in 1996. In his time in Parliament he has had a range of responsibilities in the primary production, tourism, and health areas.
Before entering politics Mr O’Connor worked in a variety of farming and tourism roles in his native West Coast. Born and raised in Westport, Mr O’Connor was two times West Coast Farmer of the Year before entering the tourism industry.
As well as owning and operating Buller Adventure Tours, he has been an active advocate of tourism on the West Coast and has been involved in several tourism development agencies in Buller and the West Coast. Mr O’Connor has also been assigned the Rural Affairs, Tourism and Associate Health portfolios in the new government.
Community workers in Tararua are rightly proud of their efforts at Woodville’s historic Gorge Cemetery.
A community work project to restore the cemetery near the Manawatu Gorge was a winner twice over this year. The project won the 2005 Norsewear Conservation Awards run by the Department of Conservation and a month later earned a runner-up Tararua District TrustPower Community award in the Heritage and Environment category.
Community workers have been involved with the Cemetery on and off for a number of years, raking winter leaves and preparing the grounds for regular open days.
Many of the area’s early settlers are buried at the cemetery.
“When we first went there the fences were down and sheep were wandering around making a mess,” says Senior Community Work Supervisor John Gerrie. Over time, groups have put in footpaths and drainage, replaced exposed banks with limestone walls and cleared rubbish.
“Most of our supervisors have been out there at one time or another,” says John. “And we continue to take work parties a couple of times a month from either Palmerston North or Dannevirke.
“It’s a real sense of achievement for community workers to win this award. It’s just another way that the community shows they really appreciate the work we do,” he adds.
Prisoners will sit down to a simple lunch of vegetables, meat and a dessert this Christmas Day.
Manager Internal Services Sector Russell Baker says lunch is the main meal on Christmas Day, followed by a dinner of cold meats and salad.
Both meals are the same for each of the 20 prisons across the country and, as with all prison meals, they meet basic nutritional requirements and are prepared by prisoners.
“Ingredients for the Christmas Day meals cost only $4 a prisoner for the day, so it is by no means lavish,” says Russell.
Auckland Prison Manager Bryan Christy says prisoners may choose to take part in organised inter-unit activities over the Christmas period.
“This involves things like a tug-of-war, touch rugby, cards, basketball or relay races around the compound,” says Bryan.
Invercargill Prison Manager Stu Davie says this is typical of prisons across the country.
“We try to run things as normally as possible,” he says.
Typically, visiting times do not alter over the Christmas period, meaning prisoners might not see family and friends on Christmas Day, although gifts other than food can be exchanged if they are on the list of approved items.
Prisoners can also choose to attend multidenominational church services led by the prison’s chaplain.
Christmas can be a difficult time for the families of those in prison, particularly children. Children of prisoners may receive presents through Prison Fellowship New Zealand’s (PFNZ) Angel Tree programme.
Traditionally, PFNZ has purchased and distributed the presents through its Christian network.
| English | Maori Translation |
|---|---|
| Merry Christmas |
Meri Kirihimete |
|
New Year’s Greetings/Happy New Year |
Nga mihi nunui mo te tau hou |
|
Good tidings to all (Let peace reside) |
Kia tau te rangimarie |
|
May peace and goodwill preside |
Te rongopai me te rangimarie |
|
Heartfelt greetings |
Ka mihi ra te ngakau |
|
Santa Claus |
Hana Koko |
|
Pass the ham |
Hoatu te poaka tauraki |
|
I’m full |
Kei te makona au |
|
Pavlova |
purini kahu tahungahunga |
|
Trifle |
taraiwhara |
| Pudding |
purini |
|
Present |
whakamaua |
Unknown to many, Corrections’ Information Centre holds a wide range of published material and has access to a number of sophisticated on-line databases, which its staff can search on behalf of their Corrections colleagues.
The Centre’s main focus is Corrections’ key policy areas, but it also collects and catalogues information on criminology, psychology, psychiatry, sex-offending, legal issues, human resources and training, information technology, health and management.
Team Leader Information and Records Services Heather Woods says the Information Centre team welcomes internal requests for information and visits from head office and regional staff.
“We keep major newspapers for two weeks and have back issues of journals. We can supply copies of articles and books from our collection or from other information centres nationally and internationally through inter-library loan.”
Another useful service the Centre provides is circulating table of contents pages for journals to interested people throughout Corrections. Staff can receive the journals’ tables of contents and request a copy of any of the articles. A list of journals held by the Information Centre is available on request.
Heather says the Centre intends to publish its full library catalogue on Corrections’ intranet, Corrnet, soon. “This will mean staff can search a listing of all published material held at the Centre and order items through us. Currently staff phone us for an item and we search on their behalf, but the new service will allow staff to easily search our catalogues.”
“We are also the proud guardians of a scanner that will handle items up to A3 size, which all staff are welcome to use. The scanner has a facility enabling staff to email the scanned item direct to their email inbox,” adds Heather.
The Information Centre is located in Corrections’ head office in Wellington. If you are a Corrections staff member and want to get in touch with the Information Centre, call extension 68464 or email infocentre@corrections.govt.nz
In Northland, local hapu Ngati Rangi are kaitiaki (guardians) of the area on which the Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF) is built. As kaitiaki, Ngati Rangi is responsible for ensuring that every person who enters into the site is culturally, physically, and spiritually safe. As Mac Anania, former Chair of the Ngati Rangi Development Society Incorporated says, “ki te tiaki i nga taonga tuki iho o nga matua tupuna - it is our responsibility to care for the treasures handed down from our ancestors.”
Corrections and Maori have joined forces to reduce the over-representation of Maori in prison with the development of four new corrections facilities.
Dialogue with Maori has been an integral part of each facility’s development.
“It is not about consultation or compromise, but engaging Maori as kaitiaki or guardians,” says Manager Treaty Relationships Charlie Tawhiao. “It is a localised way of operating and involving Maori with the aim of reducing reoffending.
“One size does not fit all in rehabilitation, and providing the ‘right intervention’ for Maori begins with an acknowledgement of the specific needs of Maori. This places Maori cultural values, philosophies, and practices at the forefront when considering solutions for addressing re-offending by Maori.”
As kaitiaki of NRCF, local hapu representatives Ngati Rangi Development Society Incorporated worked with Corrections in the development and commissioning of NRCF. It was actively involved in its design and construction and has an ongoing connection to NRCF through its rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
Kaitiaki have assisted Corrections to recruit, induct and train staff so they are better equipped to support NRCF’s operating philosophy. A major area for future involvement is supporting prisoners to build positive links with whanau and hapu to help them successfully reintegrate into the community on release.
This requires a necessary balance between the responsibility of Corrections to operate a safe and secure facility and factors Ngati Rangi sees as central to the rehabilitation of Maori prisoners. It is not an easy process and involves compromise on both sides.
“The first stage is to listen. The second is to find ways to meet the needs of both partners. The third is to listen,” says Mac.
“This process is ongoing. Just because NRCF is open does not mean Ngati Rangi no longer has a responsibility to the Facility or the people. Ngati Rangi will continue to have a relationship with Corrections until Northland no longer needs NRCF, until our people are no longer being incarcerated and it closes.”
Enthusiasm for the approach is echoed by NRCF Prison Manager Mike Hughes, who says the relationship Ngati Rangi has with all aspects of Corrections is important.
“Through grass roots involvement of Maori communities, important partnerships are forming. It is both a Corrections and a community approach to reducing re-offending and making communities safer.”
Former Tongariro/Rangipo Prison Manager Jack Harrison is the new Prison Manager of the Otago Region Corrections Facility (ORCF) currently under construction near Milton.
Jack is excited by the role at ORCF and sees it as an opportunity to build on his past experience, while managing the Facilityfrom the completion of construction.
“ORCF will be a modern, purpose-built Facility focused on rehabilitating and reintegrating prisoners back into the community. I am really excited to be here from the outset and be able to help mould the culture of ORCF.”
Jack joined the Public Prisons Service seven-and-a-half years ago as General Services Manager for the Central North Island, where he was responsible for managing the non-custodial elements of prisons in the region.
He was later appointed project manager for implementation of the integrated offender management programme in the region, before becoming Site Manager at Tongariro/Rangipo Prison.
Jack says he valued his time at Tongariro/Rangipo Prison.
“I saw first hand the passion staff had for their work. It is very rewarding to see a prisoner turn their life around as a result of their interaction with staff, and this is the type of culture I want to develop at ORCF.
I am genuinely impressed by the professionalism of the Dunedin Prison team and look forward to working with as many of them as possible at ORCF. I also see working with the local community as a very important part of the role.”
South Island Public Prisons Service Regional Manager Paul Monk welcomes Jack to his team.
“Jack brings a lot of experience and leadership skills to the role. The Regional Management Team and I are looking forward to working with him as we move towards opening ORCF.”
Corrections Senior Psychologist Dr Nick Wilson recently attended an international conference on psychopathy in Vancouver to present results of his study on the ability of the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV) to predict criminal re-offending.
“Many studies have identified psychopathy as a significant risk factor for re-offending generally, and violent offending in particular. The PCL:SV is used to measure the degree to which a subject has psychopathic characteristics,” says Nick.
“Although the PCL:SV wasn’t designed to assess the risk of re-offending, the study shows that checklist scores did have a high level of accuracy in predicting serious violent re-offending”.
The study retrospectively applied the checklist to a random sample of 199 prisoners serving sentences of more than seven years who were released by the Parole Board between 1985 and 1995.
Checklist scores were then compared against those who were reimprisoned within five years of release and those who weren’t. The results showed:
The study also compared the predictive ability of checklist scores and RoC*RoI scores. RoC*RoI (risk of conviction x risk of reimprisonment) is Corrections’ tool for estimating an offender’s risk of reconviction and imprisonment within five years. RoC*RoI scores are expressed as a probability from 0 to 1.
As with checklist scores, the study found that average RoC*RoI scores were also very different for the two groups: 0.7 for those reimprisoned and 0.5 for those who were not.
“PCL:SV scores significantly correlated to RoC*RoI scores. The checklist was able to add value and support to risk assessments using the RoC*RoI, which calculates the risk of reconviction based solely on the subject’s detected criminal history,” says Nick.
Nick Wilson’s research paper The Utility of the Psychopathy Checklist can be downloaded from the research section of the Corrections website at - visit www.corrections.govt.nz
Moral reasoning refers to how individuals reason about and justify their behaviour.
Despite the fact that it is now almost 70 years since this concept was first studied, it is only within the last two decades that some of this work has been linked to offending and treatment of offender behaviour.
The capacity for moral reasoning, like intellectual functioning, develops progressively over the course of childhood, moving from stages that are superficial and egocentric in nature, to more mature moral reasoning incorporating an appreciation of interpersonal relationships and the needs of society. This more mature level of moral reasoning includes components of perspective-taking and empathy. The capacity for adults to function at this level is a requirement of societal living, as it helps bind individuals to both formal laws and informal values of the culture.
In a recent review of moral reasoning in relation to aggression and its treatment, Emma Palmer 1 considers moral reasoning in its developmental context and how developmental delays give rise to distorted thinking, where attitudes and values are both selfish and selfserving. This leads to justifying behaviour that harms other people, blaming others for one’s exploitative actions, and minimising the consequences of selfish actions for others, thereby eliminating such inhibitory processes as guilt and regret.
Not surprisingly, such underdeveloped capacity for moral reasoning has been shown to have a strong association with aggression and antisocial behaviour, with an accompanying inability to take other people’s perspectives into account.
Palmer points out that as moral reasoning is a developmental process, its development is mediated throughout childhood and adolescence by the emphasis placed on social perspective taking and the interactions with the family and, later, the peer group. Practices within the family, such as teaching children why their behaviour is wrong, help to facilitate the development of moral reasoning capacity, as do other familial factors such as a high level of family cohesion and levels of parental warmth and support. Individuals who lack such familial experiences risk moral developmental delays and the formation of hostile models of the world and relationships that, in turn, can lead to aggressive behaviour and the use of violence to attain one’s ends.
Palmer argues that it is necessary to incorporate such a developmental model of aggression within the context of any comprehensive treatment package, and cites some examples where this approach has been found to be effective, particularly with young people. Such approaches specifically target the skills associated with moral reasoning and seek to develop these as an integral part of the change process.
Ultimately, such an approach, embeded within the context of a wider treatment programme, can clearly aid the development of an individual’s ability to see the world from another’s point of view, recognise and accept the consequences of their behaviour and, perhaps most importantly, lead to the development of a capacity for empathy that many practitioners would regard as critical, not only to reducing violence, but also to being a constructive member of the community.
1. Palmer E.J. (2005), the Relationship between Moral Reasoning and Aggression and the Implications for Practice.
Psychology, Crime, and Law, 11, pp 353-361.
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ISSN 1178-8453