New figures show that escapes from New Zealand’s prisons remain at their lowest levels for over a decade.
The number of escapes has fallen by 78 percent in the last 10 years, but Manager National Systems & Security Karen Urwin says the implementation of measures to minimise escapes continues to be a priority.
“In the last decade, there have been significant developments in prison security and we've built enhanced perimeter fences that incorporate better detection features,” she says.
“However, one thing prisoners have is time on their hands. There will always be prisoners who try to escape and no prison jurisdiction around the world has a zero escape record.”
Although prisoner numbers climbed seven percent in the 2005/06 year, the number of escapes of all types was up only one to 20, a rise of less than five percent.
Karen says prison security must always be re-evaluated as the development of new technology can challenge existing security arrangements.
“Easily concealed cellphones with cameras are an example of this. These can make it easier for prisoners to make escape arrangements with people on the outside, so a lot of effort goes into preventing prisoners' access to them.”
The establishment and maintenance of a secure prison environment requires a combination of physical security features and good management practices.
In addition to the construction of more secure perimeter fences Corrections has put an emphasis on developing centralised security management and entry control, and an appropriate mix of physical barriers, detection, surveillance and lighting systems.
In 2005 Corrections dedicated $4.1 million to contraband detection, including cellphones and other equipment, and this has also resulted in improved intelligence collection in prisons, thereby stopping escapes before they are attempted.
Ongoing investment in training and development helps staff to recognise the warning signs of imminent escape attempts.
As part of this, staff work closely with prisoners to identify and address problems within the prison or outside (such as a relationship break-up) so that prisoners are less likely to make escape attempts.
There are three kinds of escape attempt:
An escape where a prisoner has breached security measures and has physically left the area contained by the outermost perimeter fence or, if there is no such fence, prison buildings, police cell, court complex or other place of custodial control.
Where a prisoner does not return to prison at the appointed time following temporary release.
Other escapes include walkaways defined as, ‘where low security prisoners breach trust by walking away from their place of supervision, for example, from a group working on a prison farm or while on work release’ and escapes while under escort defined as, ‘escapes while under the control and supervision of officers during escorted outings including escorts to and from court’.
Got a story for Corrections News or want to request the print edition?
Email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365.
ISSN 1178-8453