15 September
Corrections staff from Northland and Invercargill Prisons can now have a meeting and be back in their own offices within five minutes thanks to the installation of video conferencing.
Not only does the technology mean that communication between staff at Corrections sites all over New Zealand has become more effective through ‘face-to-face’ conferencing, it is also reducing travel costs.
“Previously we had to either just call colleagues individually or even travel to visit other offices when required which could take up a lot of time. Now we can video call a number of colleagues at one time without leaving the prison which uses our time much more efficiently and saves on travel costs,” says Northern Regional manager, Warren Cummins.
“We work in a prison environment, therefore leaving the site and coming back means we, like everyone else are subject to search procedures to ensure contraband does not enter the site. By using this technology to communicate and staying within the site we are also saving time by not having to undergo these searches.
“By using video conferencing we can also communicate more effectively by talking more frequently and being able to talk virtually face-to-face by video with colleagues based in other areas of the country. Previously you could find yourself talking to someone who you have never met on the phone, meeting them via video conferencing gives a face to the name and I have no doubt will increase the effectiveness of our networking across Corrections.
“The other positive is that by not travelling as much we are also reducing the carbon footprint of the Department which supports our commitment to sustainability”.
Notes to Editors:
Corrections currently has video conferencing installed in 14 prisons and plans to install in other sites over the coming months. The reduction in corresponding travel costs due to the implementation of video conferencing technology has been estimated to be 20% per annum.
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Phone: (04) 460 3365 / after hours: (021) 761 828 / email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
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