'Unemployment’ in over-full jail

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 6

'Unemployment’ in over-full jail

PA Wellington There is an “unemployment problem” at Mount Eden Prison, Auckland, and work is being denied to inmates, it has been alleged. The problem had come to light during a tour of the prison by representatives of Crimanon. the penal reform group, said the group’s national vice-chairman (Mr A. Povall).

The problem was being perpetuated by crowding. “The prison is designed to take 320 inmates, and now holds 492,” said Mr Povall. Discussions with prison staff had shown that they were facing an impossible task, in outmoded conditions. The staff had also complained about having to cope with heavily drugged prisoners, returned from Oaklev Psychiatric Hospital. Mr Povall said that smaller penal institutions — where

there would be greater communication between inmates and staff — would help in getting offenders rehabilitated,

The Justice Department had said these would be “too expensive,” he said. But this was false economy.

“A workable penal system will be cheaper in the long run, as its yardstick would be a decreasing crime rate,” Mr Povall said. Crimanon is making a series of tours of institutions. Paremoremo has also been visited.

A report on the findings of the tours will be presented, with recommendations, to the Minister of Justice (Mr Thomson).