A Corrections' staff member was attacked and assaulted during a prisoner revolt on Monday, leading to the activation of the riot team.
The prisoner attacked the employee shortly before lock-up, Corrections Association of New Zealand (CANZ) president Alan Whitely confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. He and a number of fellow prisoners then refused to be locked, caused minor damage to property and attempted arson. It was not specified at which prison the incident occurred.
The prison Advanced Control and Restraint team (ACR) were called and pepper spray was used against the inmates. Control of the facility was quickly regained without any further injury to staff or prisoners.
"Staff should be praised for the way they safely managed a 'prisoner prop' and staff assault Monday evening at one of our prisons," Whitely said.
"This shows the professional nature of our Corrections staff and the amazing job they do in very stressful and violent situations."
'Another smack in the face'
However, the assault of the employee again raises an ongoing issue regarding prisoners being held to account for misconduct, Whitely says.
Although Corrections claim to have zero tolerance towards assaults on staff, CANZ noted that 47 percent of prisoner misconduct hearings do not have an outcome - meaning offences are largely ignored and pass without consequence.
"When it comes to the police prosecuting prisoners for assaulting staff in open court, the numbers are no better. Our members are told by the police that a prosecution doesn't fit the Solicitor General's guidelines for prosecution, as it is not in the public interest," Whitely explained.
"This is another smack in the face for our members who most often have already received a literal punch in the face, simply for doing their job."
An Auckland Prison inmate who has allegedly assaulted around 30 staff since 2017 is yet to face police prosecution, Whitely claims. Authorities instead ask Corrections to handle the offences using the department's internal misconduct process.
Prisoners who assault staff are typically punished by a loss of privileges, including limited phone calls and no TV access.
CANZ will be supporting New Zealand First's Protection for First Responders and Prison Officers Bill, which is having its third reading on Wednesday.
"Serious assaults on staff are increasing and it is clear this is because there is no consequence for a prisoner that does assault a staff member," Whitley said.
"We should be protecting those that protect us."
NZ Police has been contacted for comment.
