Tie-down beds finally removed
Amnesty International believes Corrections failed to prioritise the removal of tie-down beds from New Zealand prisons, despite their use being at odds with international best practice.
Stuff revealed on Wednesday that the controversial form of mechanical restraint – which has been criticised for being cruel, inhumane and degrading – was being withdrawn from at-risk prison units.
That was despite Chief Ombudsman Judge Peter Boshier publishing a scathing report on their use two years ago, saying excessive restraint breached the UN Convention Against Torture.
The report showed one prisoner was restrained by his legs, arms and chest for almost 600 hours, while another had his hands cuffed behind his back and bound to his waist almost continuously for three months.
Amnesty International New Zealand campaigns director Meg de Ronde said the prolonged use of tie-down beds for prisoners at risk of self-harm or suicide was ‘‘dehumanising’’ and the organisation had welcomed the change.
‘‘This is something that we have been concerned about since the issues were raised by Judge Peter Boshier and also by the Human Rights Commission. ‘‘We’ve been calling for a change in the use of seclusion and restraints in places of detention in New Zealand, so we’re pleased to see this first step,’’ de Ronde said.
However, the speed of the decision was a cause of concern.
‘‘Unfortunately, I think resources are tight and this hasn’t been prioritised in the way it should have been. This is something that Amnesty International raised internationally last year.
‘‘We were looking at the use of restraint practices in countries like the Ukraine, China and Serbia, and New Zealand was also included in that cohort with the use of tie-down beds.
‘‘Perhaps some of that international pressure might have increased the focus on this from Corrections, but we suspect generally a lack of resources and time has meant this hasn’t been prioritised,’’ de Ronde said.
Corrections’ chief custodial officer, Neil Beales, said the decision to withdraw the beds signalled the agency’s move towards a ‘‘multi-disciplinary model of care which includes greater resources, training and support for staff supporting prisoners at risk of self-harm’’.
The number of beds were reduced to four nationwide in 2016 and, because they had not been used since the end of that year, the decision was made to remove them completely.
‘‘We are doing more than ever in the area of mental health, and are being proactive in ensuring prisoners receive the support they need and that our staff have the tools and resources they require to keep everyone safe,’’ Beales said.