19 October
Random prison checkpoints at Spring Hill Corrections Facility over the weekend found almost no contraband on visitors to prisoners or in their vehicles, says Prison Manager Gavin Dalziel, but that doesn’t mean staff will stop searching.
“Staff searched 86 vehicles and 177 visitors to the prison over the weekend with very pleasing results – we didn’t have to call Police to make any arrests for drugs and we only had to warn a small number of people for inappropriate items found in their cars,” says Prison Manager Gavin Dalziel.
“Medicines and tools such as knives and screwdrivers that were found, could be dangerous, or even deadly if they fell into the hands of the wrong prisoners, hence we don’t allow them onto the site. Cameras are also contraband. These are things we really want people removing from their vehicles before they come visiting – otherwise their owners run the risk of their possessions being confiscated and receiving a formal warning.”
“A great result such as this past weekend is pleasing – but we will continue to be vigilant. The message seems to be getting through, anyone attempting to introduce contraband into the prison will be caught, and face being penalised by us or by the Police.”
Prison checkpoints are set up on the road leading into the facility, and are conducted regularly by every prison around the country to search anyone visiting the site and their vehicle.
“Obviously drugs and weapons making their way into the hands of prisoners is extremely dangerous for other prisoners, our staff and, in rare cases, the public. This is unacceptable and the exact reason why we continue to be vigilant in our checkpoint searches and our general screening of visitors, contractors, and staff.
“The searching is paying off. This weekend was a great result, and we hope it continues. The message is clear – don’t bring this stuff with you when you visit.”
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Copyright © Department of Corrections | Feedback and queries email: webmaster@corrections.govt.nz