P.04 Standard prison issue property

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These procedures cover the issuing, management and disposal of standard issue property. They include the responsibilities for the condition and cleanliness of clothing and bedding on the part of prisoners and unit staff.

Standard prison issue property criteria

  1. All sentenced prisoners will be issued the items listed in Schedule 2 of the Rules on authorised property made under section 45A unless the prison director determines that issuing the item will interfere with the effective management, security, and good order of the prison.
  2. Remand prisoners may be permitted to wear their own clothing. However, the prison director must issue a remand prisoner standard prison clothing if:
    1. the prisoner’s own clothing is generally insufficient or unfit for use, or
    2. the prisoner’s own clothing is insufficient or unfit for a specific activity or work in which the prisoner is engaged, or
    3. the request by the prisoner is deemed reasonable (prisoner chooses not to wear their own clothing and / or footwear).
  3. Clothing (other than clothing for a specific activity or work) that is provided to accused prisoners must be distinguishable from clothing provided to other prisoners.
  4. The prison director may allow prisoners to wear their own clothing or footwear when on:
    1. transfer
    2. temporary release
    3. Court appearances
    4. appearances before the New Zealand Parole Board
    5. any other occasion the prison director deems appropriate, e.g. in self care units.

P.04.01 Issuing standard issue property

  1. When the prisoner is received in the unit, they must be provided the items listed in Schedule 2 of the Rules on authorised property made under section 45A, with the exception of prisoners accommodated in Intervention and Support Unit (ISU).
  2. Staff must keep a record of all prison issued property (and when it has been returned) that has been issued to a prisoner.
  3. Unit staff must provide prisoners with sunscreen when prisoners request if the prisoners are exposed to the sun during any activities, including recreational activities and time in the yard.
  4. Rehabilitation and Employment is responsible for providing sunscreen to prisoners who undertake outdoor employment.

P.04.02 Return and / or disposal of standard issue property

  1. Items of issued clothing, footwear and bedding are returned when they are no longer required by a prisoner, or before his / her release or transfer.
  2. All clothing and bedding is to be replaced on a fair wear and tear basis.
  3. All returned clothing, bedding and mattress covers are laundered before re-issue.
  4. Upon discharge, all prison issue clothing and bedding is to be laundered and repaired as required for re-issue if in a suitable condition.
  5. Returned condemned items of issued clothing, footwear and bedding are disposed of in accordance with write-off procedures.
  6. The unit PCO is to ensure that the unit has adequate supplies of prison issue bedding and clothing by making regular checks of stocks.

P.04.03 Laundry and cleaning requirements

  1. Unit staff are to arrange the collection of bedding and clothing to be laundered on selected days.
  2. Prison-issue clothing is to be laundered at least twice a week, or as required.
  3. Blankets, duvets and mattress covers are laundered every 4 months, and bed linen laundered each week or as required.
  4. All used footwear is to be reassessed as to condition, and sanitised and re-issued if appropriate.
  5. Unit officers are to ensure prisoners maintain a high degree of clothing cleanliness and presentation.
  6. Every prisoner must maintain their cell and the furniture and fittings tidy and free of dust and dirt.
  7. Unit staff may compel a prisoner to shower if necessary for hygienic reasons.

P.04.04 Prisoner responsibilities

  1. The prisoner is responsible and accountable for the use of prison issue property.
  2. All clothing and bedding issued to prisoners is to be maintained in a good state of repair.
  3. Prisoners are not to deface clothing in any way.
  4. Prisoners may be subject to a misconduct report if any institution property is knowingly damaged or destroyed in any way while issued to that prisoner or while the prisoner is housed in that cell.

P.04.05 Review / audit requirements

  1. Unit staff must make random but regular checks to ensure that prisoners are changing bedding regularly, and provide a written report on the status of unit bedding for the prison director when requested.
  2. The unit PCO is to audit the standard of bedding monthly, and provide a written report to the prison director if required.

P.04.06 Prison Supplied Clothing Colours

  1. Section 68 of the Corrections Act 2004 requires any clothing that is provided to accused prisoners must be distinguishable from clothing provided to other prisoners. To ensure national consistency, the following prisoner clothing colours are to be used when providing prison owned clothing to prisoners (does not apply to underwear, footwear, hats, shorts or socks):
    1. Green - remand accused
    2. Grey - remand convicted and sentenced
    3. Orange or maroon – remand convicted or sentenced if the site wishes to further identify classes of prisoners within these groups or by location (e.g. unit).
  2. Prisons may screen print prison owned clothing of any colour detailed above to further identify classes of prisoners or location.
  3. Other prisoner clothing colours specific to industries may be supplied, examples include white items for use in kitchens, orange / yellow hi viz items and other PPE where industry standards require them.