24 February 2006
The first findings of an independent study to measure the effect of the Otago Region Corrections Facility (ORCF) on the local community have been released.
The benchmarking stage of the social impact study, conducted by Phoenix Research, records a picture of life in the Milton community prior to construction and operation of ORCF.
Over 400 local residents, community leaders, and service providers were interviewed for the first stage of the social impact study says Chief Financial Officer John Ryan.
"The study identifies the definitive social characteristics of the Milton community with residents describing a strong sense of pride for their town," says Mr Ryan.
"The study shows there is a strong sense of community, support, and friendliness in Milton that locals feel contributes significantly to a high quality of life. Milton is obviously a great place to live and through the construction and operation of our facility we intend to keep it that way."
Once the Facility is operational Corrections will commission a follow-up study to assess the impact of ORCF on the local community.
"This is an important piece of research for Corrections. Within five years we will be able to compare the studies and actually see the effects of a Corrections Facility on the community," says Mr Ryan.
"This is the first time we have carried out a study of this type and the findings will significantly add to what is already known about how prisons fit into the community."