PRISON TRAINING CENTRE

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31498, 12 October 1967, Page 24

PRISON TRAINING CENTRE

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 11.

The Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) announced today that the “No. 1 priority” at the new Wi Tako prison—to be completed near Trentham in a few weeks—would be the training of prison officer cadets.

He said that not only would the prison accommodate up to 112 inmates serving their first sentences, it would also become the headquarters for the training of staff at all levels.

“In particular, It will cater for the training of prison officer cadets,” said the Minister. “I am firmly convinced that

staff training is the factor which contributes the most to a successful penal policy," he said.

Commenting that the cadet scheme begun earlier this year was already assured of success, the Minister said: “There are 13 young men in training and the group has high potential.” He said he was particularly

pleased that two in the group were sons of serving prison officers. Many, Inquiries Mr Hanan said there had "been a large number of inquiries about entry to the prison officer cadet scheme in 1968. The cadet training centrenow at Mount Crawford (near Wellington) Prison—win be transferred to Wi Tako when the new prison is completed. Some of the facilities in the new prison would be used extensively for the training of staff.

These included a large gymnasium and classrooms. A new chapel would also be available.

The Minister said planning for the living accommodation at the new school was under way.

Mr Hanan commended the prison officer cadet scheme to parents.

Mr Hanan said the training was intended to produce a good practical officer with a solid background of theoretical knowledge. With the training they would get, cadets would be well equipped to be-

come the senior officers of the future. The Minister said those able to carry out university work were sent for higher education —and of the 13 in training five were attending university.