Recent statistics show that Corrections’ ongoing efforts to stem the flow of drugs in prisons is paying off.
Service Support Manager Karen Urwin says the number of prisoners returning positive random tests for drugs has fallen to an all time low of 13 per cent.
“Over the last few years we have invested heavily to make it more difficult for offenders to access drugs and other contraband while in prison,” says Karen.
“Not only have we doubled the number of drug dogs working at New Zealand Prisons, we have also increased the level of security at all prison sites."
The Department has added additional electronic security devices including cameras, closed circuit TV, video motion detectors, microwave sensors and electronic barrier arms. We have also built highly secure perimeter fences and created single points of entry at the majority of New Zealand Prison sites.
“This work has resulted in the rate of positive drug tests falling every year for the last five years,” says Karen. “In 1998, when drug testing was introduced, 34 per cent of prisoners randomly tested returned positive results.”
Karen says that while Corrections would like all prisoners to return negative results for drugs, this was difficult and was something that no prison jurisdiction in the world has achieved.
“Many prisoners have very serious drug addiction problems. Prisoners are constantly thinking of ever more inventive ways to get drugs into prison and we are always battling to keep one step ahead of them. We regularly find drugs in prisoners’ mail and on visitors.
“The rise of methamphetamine use in New Zealand has presented a real challenge to the Department. Methamphetamine is fine powder which is easily concealable, including internally, and a very valuable commodity. It only takes a tiny amount of the drug to achieve a high.
“A recent checkpoint at Auckland Prison found $73,000 worth of methamphetamine in a visitor’s car. Incredibly this was only 73 grams of the drug.”
The Corrections Amendment Bill, currently before Parliament, aims to further strengthen the Department’s ability to stop contraband entering prison.
If passed, the Bill will provide enhanced search powers for Corrections Officers. The Bill will also increase penalties on both those found to be supplying prisoners with contraband and prisoners found with it in their possession.
Karen says that stopping drugs entering prison was only part of the solution and Corrections was also focused on addressing prisoner demand. “Drug Treatment Units have been established at six prisons and these units provide treatment to prisoners with serious drug issues,” she says.
“Our strategy is working and I am confident that we will be able to reduce further the number of prisoners using drugs in prison.”
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ISSN 1178-8453