27 May 2007
The Department of Corrections today confirmed life at Rimutaka Prison was returning to normal and the Prison was no longer locked down
Assistant General Manager Operations Bryan McMurray says events such as yesterday's are rare in New Zealand.
"We are now reviewing the incident to ascertain what factors caused the incident and whether we can learn any lessons that will help us better manage this type of situation in the future," says Mr McMurray.
"However, what is already clear is that the staff involved did a fantastic job in what were difficult circumstances. They were able to contain the incident to one part of the unit, limit damage and secure the prisoners without any serious injuries, either to themselves or prisoners.
"The prisoners involved in the incident have been relocated to different areas of the prison and we were now ascertaining how much damage has been done to the Youth Unit as well as deciding what charges should be laid."
Mr McMurray stressed that at no time was there a threat to public safety as the prisoners were contained within a secure cordon within the unit at all times.
ENDS
Note to reporter