Mt Eden prison staff injured after inmates refuse to leave room

Three staff at Mt Eden prison were injured after inmates refused to leave a day room. Photo / NZME

By Sam Sherwood of RNZ

Three staff at Mt Eden prison were injured after a group of inmates refused to leave a day room.

Mt Eden Corrections Facility general manager Dion Paki confirmed to RNZ nine inmates refused to exit a day room at 10.45am on Wednesday.

“Corrections staff responded, including our Advanced Control & Restraint team and Prison Negotiation team with specialist capabilities. Shortly after midday all prisoners were removed from the day room and were secured.

“Three staff received injuries and were taken off-site for assessment.”

Paki said the incident was isolated to one day room and did not impact the wider security and safety of the prison. The prison was locked down as a precaution, and was now operating as usual.

Paki said staff did an “excellent job” bringing the incident to an end.

“We have comprehensive procedures for managing incidents where prisoners refuse to comply with staff orders.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated, and the prisoners involved will be held to account. Corrections will carry out a review into the incident and will also refer the matter to Police.”

– RNZ