There have been claims prison officers received cash for smuggling contraband. Photo / Mark Mitchell
There have been claims prison officers received cash for smuggling contraband. Photo / Mark Mitchell
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Two Rimutaka Prison guards have been suspended and two others face suspension as a result of investigations into allegations of corruption, Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor said today.
The four guards will face disciplinary action.
A team of former detectives has been investigating allegations of corruption by Correction Departmentprison staff and Mr O'Connor said some results had been achieved.
"At Rimutaka Prison today, two staff have been suspended, one staff (member) has received notice of intention to suspend and a fourth staff member will be receiving notice of suspension on Monday," Mr O'Connor told Parliament today.
The move follows claims that prison officers received cash for smuggling contraband to inmates at two prisons.
Corrections chief executive Barry Matthews has said the investigation would look for collusion between inmates and guards, and allegations of criminal activities by staff.
Two Christchurch Men's Prison guards were recently suspended while Corrections investigated claims they smuggled tobacco, phone cards and cellphones into the jail.
Corrections was also making inquiries into claims guards at Wellington's Rimutaka Prison were corrupt.
As many as 15 to 20 Rimutaka officers were being investigated after former guard, Andy Coward, alleged cellphones and drugs had been smuggled in to inmates, in exchange for cash.
Mr O'Connor said later in a statement that he was encouraged that the investigation, begun in November by barrister David Patten, was producing results.
"I consider claims of corruption to be among of the most serious kind of any concerning the Department of Corrections," Mr O'Connor said.
"I am determined to root out any forms of corruption whatsoever, at any level. The integrity of all corrections officers is unfairly being brought into question by the alleged actions of a few."
Mr O'Connor said he could not comment further, as the investigation was ongoing.
The independent inquiry can traverse any area of operation at the prison, including management, criminal or employment matters.
