7 September 2010
Community Probation Services is directing offenders on Community Work sentences in Christchurch to help with earthquake clean-ups.
CPS Christchurch Area Manager Nick Scott said work parties had been organised today and that the priority was assisting with earthquake recovery work.
“CPS has been in contact with the Christchurch City Council, the Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils, Civil Defence, Red Cross and Federated Farmers about us providing some support and we have had positive responses from them.”
“If we can use offenders on Community Work sentences to help in any way then we’re only too happy to do so.”
“We have got a large labour pool on hand with over 2,400 offenders on Community Work at the moment, and we plan to use these people to help the city recover."
Initially the offenders will be used to help clean-up debris and sand build-ups, and support the work of welfare centres. Over time it is likely that offenders on Community Work would also contribute to longer-term redevelopment projects relating to the earthquake recovery.
“The offenders are local people and they know how devastating this quake has been, so it’s good for them and good for Christchurch that they can help the city out in this time of need.”
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