29 May

A prisoner’s escape plans in Turangi were cut short very quickly this morning when Corrections and Police worked together to recapture him within sixteen minutes.

“This low security prisoner had to go to the dentist in Turangi. Staff were escorting the handcuffed prisoner from the prison van to the dentist surgery when he made a run for it,” says Acting Tongariro/Rangipo Prison Manager Zak Peacock.

“Our staff immediately pursued the prisoner. This was noticed by a member of the public who helpfully contacted Police.
 
“Other staff from the prison then moved into action and were placed in strategic locations around the town. Using our radios we slowly closed in on him and he was recaptured.

“It is pleasing that we recaptured this prisoner so quickly. He now faces criminal charges and a likely increase of his security classification. All for the sake of a sixteen minute run in a pair of handcuffs.

“I don’t know where this prisoner thought he would go while handcuffed. I’d like to congratulate my staff, members of the public and Police in working so well together to recapture him in a matter of minutes.

“Public safety is our number one priority at all times, our staff worked very quickly to maintain this and recapture the prisoner.”

Prisoners are entitled to receive basic medical care, including dentistry, when required. This prisoner had been assessed as requiring care which had to be administered in the community. Prisoners who attend appointments such as this are always escorted by staff.

“We will be reviewing this incident to ensure that the opportunity for an escape such as this to occur again is minimised,” says Mr Peacock.

“No escape is acceptable, but I’m pleased that we closed this incident down so quickly. Staff are trained to deal with situations such as this, our planning was put in practice perfectly today.”

For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Phone: (04) 460 3365
Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz

 

Previous Next Show Contents