Concern over standards at Hawke’s Bay prison

A report by the Chief Ombudsman has identified ‘‘areas of serious concern’’ at Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison.

Ombudsman Peter Boshier published the report yesterday, following an ‘‘unannounced inspection’’ of the prison by an eight-member team of inspectors late last year.

Their report identified ‘‘good practice’’ at the correctional facility, including efforts to establish itself as a working prison with close links to employers.

However, the inspectors also found ‘‘significant challenges and areas of serious concern in the high-security side of the prison, particularly relating to safety’’.

Boshier said there was a clear and urgent need for the prison to address the levels of violence and intimidation that are features of too many prisoners’ experience, particularly in the high-security units.

‘‘Limited staff interaction with high-security prisoners and insufficient provision of constructive activities has resulted in an atmosphere of boredom and frustration,’’ he said in the report.

‘‘I saw no evidence of a gangmanagement strategy, and antibullying efforts were ineffective in addressing predatory behaviour.’’

Boshier was also concerned by the ‘‘basic decency standards’’ witnessed at the prison.

‘‘There were shortfalls in the provision of clean bedding and clothing for prisoners, and many mattress covers were stained and mouldy.

‘‘Prisoners in the high-security units were washing clothing in buckets on the wings.’’

Prisoners reported ‘‘a number of frustrating inconsistencies in the pricing of canteen goods and articles allowed in their possession. They expressed a lack of confidence in the complaints procedure’’.

In his report, Boshier recommended that the prison develop anti-bullying and gangmanagement strategies.

He said the Department of Corrections had begun implementing both protocols and he would continue to monitor the prison’s progress with follow-up visits.

The Ombudsman’s unannounced inspections of prisons follow New Zealand’s ratification of the United Nations’ optional protocol to the Convention Against Torture And Other Cruel, Inhumane Or Degrading Treatment Or Punishment.

Boshier said his next prison inspection report would focus on Spring Hill Prison, in northern Waikato. He expected that document would be released within the next month.