13 May

The Department of Corrections has acknowledged staff at Christchurch Men’s Prison for their professional work in responding to a staff assault yesterday.

In what appears to be an unprovoked assault by a prisoner a Corrections Officer had her hair pulled by a prisoner while another Officer received a cut to his neck.

“The quick thinking of staff who witnessed this assault resulted in it being contained rapidly and prevented very serious injury from occurring,” says Southern Assistant Regional Manager Ian Bourke

“This was a cowardly act which we are treating seriously. We will ensure the prisoner involved in this assault faces the full ramifications of his actions.

“It is suspected the staff member was cut with a sharpened pen. He received medical treatment immediately and was taken home by a senior staff member.

“He received no stitches but has been advised to contact his doctor. We look forward to him returning to work shortly.

“Some prisoners do behave violently towards staff for no apparent reason and with little warning. Our staff are trained to deal with this.

“The Department takes any assault on a staff member extremely seriously. We contacted Police immediately about this incident and they are investigating,” says Mr Bourke.

“The Department is aware that there has been speculation that this incident was a result of 8am – 5pm unlock. There is no indication that this is the case.

“The unit where the incident occurred has been on an 8 – 5 regime since late 2007 and the prisoners are accustomed to the routine.

“This prisoner has been placed on segregation for the safety and security of the prison.

Note to reporter:

• The sharpened pen was found in a cell search. All prisons have regular cell searching and confiscate items such as these.
• This unit was fully staffed at the time of the assault.

For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:

• Phone: (04) 460 3365
• Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
• After hours: (021) 761 828

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