May 17, 2021
Ombudsman springs inquiry on Corrections
The Chief Ombudsman is investigating the Department of Corrections’ failure to reform itself.
Peter Boshier says despite report after report calling for change, he has not seen significant and sustained improvements to prisoners’ welfare and rehabilitation.
He expects his investigation will take a year to complete.
He will look at what the department has done to address:
-the treatment and conditions of people held in all correctional facilities;
-opportunities for constructive activity, such as education, employment, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes; and
-performance monitoring and review processes, such as complaints management, oversight of segregation orders, use of force reviews, and other operational or incident reviews.
Judge Boshier says he will look at these issues through the lens of the department’s te Tiriti o Waitangi and stewardship obligations.
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