Acts of bravery

Senior Corrections Officer Louise Davies was escorting a prisoner back to his cell when he was set upon by a group of prisoners with makeshift weapons.

She immediately put herself between her prisoner and his attackers in an attempt to protect him, receiving serious wounds herself. Her colleagues, Corrections Officers Peter Hoare and Maumau Paulo were attacked when they tried to help her.

In a separate incident, Corrections Officer Patricia Smith stepped in when she noticed two prisoners punching and kicking another officer in a yard inside her unit. She managed to separate the prisoners from the officer, preventing what could have been an even more serious situation.

These acts of bravery were honoured by Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews who gave his special commendation award to the four officers on August 20.

Receiving her award, Corrections Officer Patricia Smith says she was able to de-escalate the situation because she had the respect of one of the prisoners.

“I didn’t feel particularly brave, but I reacted without any thought for myself, just that I must defend my colleague, something I hope all of us would do.

“Respect is a much talked about thing but it can’t be demanded. It has to be earned, but once gained the benefits are enormous,” she says.