9. PAUL QUINN (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Corrections
What progress has been made to recruit sufficient probation officers to meet the growth in the number of offenders serving their sentences in the community?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections) Link to this
I am pleased to inform the House that the Department of Corrections has now reached its goal of employing 246 new probation officers, following an injection of $256 million in last year’s Budget. Over the last 5 years the number of community-based offenders has risen from 24,000 to 38,000, and they are completing 45,000 orders. However, the previous Government failed to fund the department adequately, and it could not employ the staff needed to supervise these offenders. I have met most of the new probation officers at graduations around the country, and I have been very impressed with the knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism shown by these new staff members.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
There is too much to tell the member in one answer. I am pleased to report, though, that the department has just received its highest-ever result in the latest trust and confidence survey. Research New Zealand’s June 2010 quarterly survey showed that 61 percent of the respondents have confidence in the Department of Corrections. This is a significant improvement on the figure of 40 percent in June 2008, recorded by the previous administration under the previous Minister of Corrections, Phil Goff. The considerable progress made by the department over the last 18 months reflects the excellent work done by staff, and the importance that this Government places on its law and order responsibilities.
David GarrettDoes she agree that non-violent offenders whose offending primarily arises from drug and alcohol addiction are better and more cheaply treated in community-based facilities, rather than in prisons?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Generally, yes. But I am also aware that these same people have been known to kill others by drink or drug-driving, so the courts quite appropriately have the power to sentence such people to imprisonment.