8. SIMON POWER (National—Rangitikei) Link to this
to the Minister of Corrections
Can he confirm that the agreement between the Department of Corrections and Chubb New Zealand Ltd for the provision of prisoner escort services includes a procedure to “Assess prisoner needs on assuming custody based on advice from authority handing over (risk assessment form): … youths under 20 to be segregated”?
Hon MITA RIRINUI (Associate Minister of Corrections) Link to this
Yes, that information is contained in the Chubb policy and procedures manual.
Can the Minister confirm the report in the Sunday Star-Times that security guards transporting Liam Ashley from the court were not given any risk assessment form, in contravention of the procedures agreed to with the Department of Corrections; if so, whose responsibility was it to ensure that this assessment was made and passed on?
The tragic circumstances surrounding Liam Ashley’s death are currently under investigation, and I cannot comment before the report is released.
Can the Minister confirm that the Department of Corrections form entitled “Escorting an At-risk Prisoner” does not specifically refer to the offender’s age amongst the risk categories listed; why is that the case when the agreement between Chubb New Zealand Ltd and the Department of Corrections clearly states that prisoners under 20 are considered to be at risk and must be segregated?
I am advised that that procedure is followed. I cannot comment on Liam Ashley’s situation until the investigation is completed.
Ron MarkCan the Minister give this House an absolute assurance that all private security companies contracted to the Department of Corrections are properly licensed and that all of the security guards in the employment of those security companies are, firstly, properly licensed and, secondly, properly trained; if he can give us that assurance, can he tell us how?
I am advised that the contractors’ performance and compliance with contractor legislation are monitored on a daily basis and reported on on a monthly basis.
Can the Minister confirm reports that Chubb New Zealand Ltd previously offered to introduce a specialised van with individual compartments, but the Department of Corrections turned that down because it was considered unnecessary and too costly; what actions has he taken to see that individual compartments are installed into prisoner transfer vans?
I am advised that the Department of Corrections does have high expectations of Chubb Security when prisoners are being transported. Whether those standards were met in Liam Ashley’s case is something we will have to wait to see, as the case is subject to investigation.
Has the Minister followed the convention of individual ministerial responsibility and offered his resignation to the Prime Minister; if not, why not?
Rodney HideHas the Minister set a timetable for the completion of the investigation by the Department of Corrections into this tragedy; if he has not set a deadline, why not—does he not really want the report—and if he has set a deadline, what is it?