Corrections has apologised after telling a lawyer she had to have her photo and fingerprints recorded in order to get access to Auckland Prison.
New biometric technology is being used - but Corrections has emphasised that it's not compulsory.
Auckland Prison's new multi-million-dollar facility, complete with new security arrangements which includes fingerprint scanning and photos of visitors.
"That was a real affront to me, because I had not ever been asked that at any prison that I've been visiting as a lawyer for the last 20 years," said barrister Sue Earl.
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Ms Earl specialises in parole cases, and for much of her career has been using her Corrections ID to visit clients in jail.
But last week during a visit, it was made clear a photo and fingerprint record were a requirement. She refused.
"I was told that you couldn't go into the prison without giving that data," she said.
Corrections says that was a mistake.
"If those staff didn't provide all the information and all options, then yes of course we expect all staff to do that - but I am sure no malice was intended," said Neil Beales, Corrections chief custodial officer.
Corrections says the new technology will help speed up visitor processing time and improves safety.
"It's safer for them and it's easier for us to manage incidents should they occur, and it's also making sure the right person leaves at the end of that visit," Mr Beales added.
But the Criminal Bar Association says it's unnecessary, especially when private visitors must be pre-approved and show a driver's license.
"Why are they asking for it and what are they going to do with it? I can't see any reason why they should want fingerprints or photographs," SAID Len Anderson, Criminal Bar Association President.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner told Newsub Corrections will need to comply with the Privacy Act when collecting, holding, and using the information.
It also said staff should make it clear to visitors why the information is being collected and who will have access to it.
Newshub.
