Improved security is the focus of the refurbished Whanganui Community Corrections facility that opened yesterday, and the building is also expected to help reduce reoffending rates.
The facility consists of two buildings, with traditional probation services operating from Wilson St and departmental programmes and community work services based at the Maria Pl building.
It was officially opened by Corrections Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.
Service manager David Francis said the $2.7 million upgrade gave the centre new security features, including an anti-climb counter, better lines of sight and camera surveillance.
There are also facilities to help offenders rehabilitate, including an audio-and-video room for speaking to out-of-town family, a whanau room for family conferences, safer interview rooms with glazed windows and panic alarms, and open-plan offices.