Corrections is undergoing a significant period of change. At the same time, everything it has done has come under microscopic and relentless scrutiny.
We’ve had a difficult time in the media, and it’s disappointing, if not surprising, that reports into recent incidents (even independent reports), are portrayed as a whitewash, notwithstanding that all reports identified some shortcomings and recommended improvements to policy and practices. I have approved all the recommendations and these are being implemented.
One thing that is evident from some of the public statements and media commentary is a misunderstanding of the role our probation officers undertake in managing the sentences of offenders in the community.
I am aware of both the challenge and difficulties they face in managing a case load of offenders with competing demands and finite resources. I know they will continue to do their best to support offenders through the reintegration process whilst also ensuring compliance with all the conditions of their sentence. I acknowledge and thank you all for your dedication and commitment.
I am equally conscious that the allegations of corruption are affecting all our Public Prisons staff wherever they work. It is a graphic demonstration of how the actions of a few individuals affect everyone. Whilst we will take very firm action against anyone engaged in corruption, it is important we recognise that the vast majority of our prison staff are honest and act with integrity.
I thank those staff who have provided information to our investigators and acknowledge the public support of the Corrections Association of New Zealand and the Public Service Association in encouraging staff to do this. A key factor in combating corruption is a work environment where staff feel confident they can report suspicious behaviour by colleagues and those suspicions are acted upon immediately by supervisors and managers.
There have been claims made in the media that corruption is rife or widespread in our prisons. I don’t believe that is the case, but we have in previous years identified staff bringing in contraband at some other prisons. It would be foolish to assume this is just occurring at Rimutaka Prison. We all need to be alert to the possibility of corruption arising in our work area and take resolute action to identify and remove any staff member found to have acted corruptly.
Recently I invited staff to comment and contribute to the proposal for change coming out of the review of the Department’s internal structure which I announced in May last year. We will soon be engaging staff to share their ideas and experiences for our five-year business plan, to enable us all to have a shared sense of where we are, where we are going and how best to move forward.
Otago Corrections Facility will be opening, on schedule, on 19 April and I congratulate all staff who have made this happen.
I also congratulate the seven winners of Corrections 2007 Chief Executive’s PRIDE Awards. These awards recognise and celebrate those staff whose outstanding and exceptional actions have gone beyond the call of duty.
We need more staff of this calibre and we are recruiting across New Zealand for the new staff needed to manage our new prisons and the new community-based sentences that are part of the Effective Interventions initiatives.
Corrections is taking on responsibility for more offenders every year. I hope that we will be able to move forward in an increasingly supportive atmosphere of balanced and honest debate.
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ISSN 1178-8453