New Zealand Prison, Parole Systems Under Review

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Reports of corruption in New Zealand’s prisons have prompted the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to order a review of the country’s justice and penal systems.

The review will examine several laws pertaining to the parole process, police rights and system operations.

The parole system recently came under fire after a convicted murderer went on a deadly shooting rampage. The Cabinet is working on restructuring the parole process with changes that could include: allowing police and prison officials to give confidential information about an offender to the parole board; giving the parole board power to call witnesses; and giving police the authority to recall a parolee with permission from the board.

Also under consideration is a law to strengthen prison officials’ authority to control contraband in their facilities.

The system was restructured 12 years ago when the Justice Ministry and Corrections Department were split. Merging the two branches again could be considered to address existing problems.

In other news, Wellington regional prisons manager Dave East was put on special leave. Corrections officials did not disclose why he was put on leave by press time.