Photo / Sarah Ivey
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Photo / Sarah Ivey

Auckland's Mt Eden prison operator Serco has been accused of bribing inmates with bigger helpings of food and televisions in their cells to encourage them to behave.

The prison officers' union, the Corrections Association, said that in addition to larger meals, Serco served dessert every night, unheard of in the State prison system, Radio New Zealand reported.

Association president Beven Hanlon said the "luxuries" allowed the private prison operator to get by with a skeleton crew but guards were feeling vulnerable and leaving on a daily basis.

Should prisoners get luxuries in return for good behaviour? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:

  1. your views
  2. Coffeeplease says
    "So where's my dessert for my good behaviour NOT being in prison?"
  3. New Zealander says
    "Things are well out of balance it seems, too good to be true. So many might like to return to a soft life inside again once released."
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