The prison when it was under construction last year.
If Sensible Sentencing Trust founder Garth McVicar really thinks putting phones and internet-less computers in prison cells is creating an incentive to offend, the press should probably stop using him as a rent-a-quote.
It was revealed this week British prison operator Serco is putting phones and computers into every standard
cell in its new $270million jail in South Auckland. The prison opened yesterday.
Prisoners can make pre-arranged and monitored calls to family members and access services like counselling, but cannot receive calls.
Computers will be used for activities like studying and booking appointments.
Corrections Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga and prison operator Serco say this access will help prisoners get the education and skills needed to get jobs, homes, a driver's licence and other things they will need to live a law-abiding life after serving their time.
But Mr McVicar says he's appalled by the move.
"My grandchildren are out selling firewood to pay for their computers to learn their computer skills in school," he said.
