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One union says an attack on a correctional officer at a Northland prison that left them with significant facial injuries is not an isolated incident.
Photo: Unsplash / Matthew Ansley
It is the understanding of the New Zealand Corrections Association that officers from the Kahu Unit in Ngawha Prison were removing prisoners from their cells when the “unprovoked attack” occurred.
According to the Association, the officer was left with a dislocated jaw, broken and dislocated teeth and possibly a broken nose.
The Association said the attack occurred around 10.55am on Saturday.
Prison staff were conducting a routine check on inmates. When the cell door was opened, the prisoner was standing at the door and hit the correctional officer several times directly in the face without warning.
The officer’s colleague called for help and some nearby prisoners kept the attacker away and gave him their own clothes to help with the bleeding.
The association’s vice president, Paul Dennehy, said this was not an isolated incident, with figures released under the Official Information Act obtained by the union showing that violent attacks are increasing.
“Attacks on personnel across the country have been on the rise for several years,” he said.
He wasn’t sure of staffing levels at the prison when the incident occurred, but said understaffing is a problem in prisons across the country.
Dennehy said many attacks on staff were unprovoked.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen. We could be talking to a prisoner, the next thing the prisoner or another prisoner blinds and attacks us, we have no way to mitigate or defend ourselves immediately.”
The association has lobbied for inmates to be held accountable for their actions that go against the rules.
“They should be held accountable. But, increasingly, we find that is not the case. They can not comply, they can be aggressive, they can threaten verbally, they can attack us physically. There are very few legal consequences, inside the prison or with the police charging them. “Dennehy said.
“We work very hard to help rehabilitate the prisoners, because one day they will be our neighbors.”
Northland Region Correctional Center Prison Director Michael Rongo said the attack was “cowardly and unprovoked.”
Rongo said other Corrections officers responded quickly to control the situation and that the prisoner was initially transferred to the prison’s management unit.
“He has since been transferred to Auckland prison to be handled as a maximum security prisoner. The police have been informed and will determine any criminal charges brought against the prisoner,” he said.
The officer who was assaulted received treatment from local health personnel and was taken to the hospital for further treatment. Rongo said he and his family are receiving ongoing support.
A review of the assault has been commissioned.
“No assault or violent behavior is tolerated, and any inmate who engages in this behavior will be held accountable, which may include police charges.”
Rongo said there was no staff shortage at the prison and unprovoked attacks can happen at any time.
“As you will appreciate, we handle some of the most dangerous people in New Zealand in an environment that can be complex and challenging.
“While Corrections considers that no assault is acceptable, we recognize the reality that these incidents do occur. More than 75 percent of the prison population has convictions for violence in their criminal record, and gang members are disproportionately identified as responsible for assaults in prison. .
“Our staff recognize the importance of knowing and understanding people in prison, and actively engage with them to reinforce positive behavior. We have invested significantly in training and tools to keep our people safe. This includes tactical skills, such as de-escalation, through the introduction of stab resistant bulletproof vests, body cameras and the expanded deployment of pepper spray.
Corrections said there were 18 serious assaults on staff in prisons in the 2019-2020 financial year.
