Prison review to tackle nationwide issues

The national prison review has been identified as a way forward to addressing challenges faced in institutions around the country, from overcrowding prisons to escapees and manpower shortage.

The review has seen 79 recommendations compiled, which will be submitted to NEC by the minister responsible.

The prison review commenced in 2017 after funding was made available to the Correctional Service from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Justice Services & Stability for Development Program (JSS4D) programs of the Australian government.

Bomana, Baisu, Beru and Beon were along prisons visited for recommendations to be made that will assist with a modernisation program for prisons around the country.

With a manpower of just over 1,400 CS officers nationwide, a holistic approach is needed to modernise the Correctional Service.

Issues from overcrowding prisons to prolonged remand of inmates awaiting court, to food shortage and escapees are impacting negatively on the Correctional Service when it is caused by the entire law and justice sector, in particular, the courts.

Correctional Service Acting Commissioner, Stephen Pokanis, today told officers who are attending a five day conference in Port Moresby, that they will ask for the recruitment of at least up to 100 officers next year.

While the police force has seen recruitments in recent years, the Correctional Service believes so too must the CS to deal with the increasing number of arrests and increased population in jails. 

Author: 
Sally Pokiton