NCJ Number
121762
Date Published
1989
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This review of the New Zealand prison system recommends a network of community-based regional prisons, secure institutions for inmates who represent special security risks, and corrective training institutions.
Abstract
All prison inmates should be housed in medium security local prisons, except those who qualify for habilitation centers or secure treatment centers. Each medium security local prison should not exceed 100 inmates and should provide for two levels of supervision (close supervision within the prison and less supervision for some inmates allowed outside the prison). Inmates who are unsuitable for either regional or maximum security institutions include those with psychiatric disturbances and compulsive sex offenders. Maximum security inmates should not be housed in one institution but rather be dispersed for three reasons: dispersal to local prisons enables inmates to keep in touch with their families; an unhealthy level of stress and tension develops between staff and inmates in a maximum security prison environment; and dispersal means that prison staff can gain experience in dealing with all types of inmates. With regard to prison design, the "new generation" prison approach is supported in which group living areas for about 5 inmates in maximum security prisons and 10 inmates in medium security prisons are the norm. Prisons should be situated as close as possible to metropolitan areas, making access easier for family and friends and making staff recruitment easier. Land-based prison operations in the farm setting are not recommended due to their isolation. 1 reference.