The move is in line with a promise to address crime
The government has announced a $1.9bn investment in Corrections to reduce crime in the country.
According to Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell, the investment will focus on increasing frontline Corrections staff, strengthening support to rehabilitating offenders, and adding to prison capacity.
"Our government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, and that means ensuring there are serious consequences for serious offenders," Mitchell said. “This investment in Corrections is a reflection of National and ACT’s coalition agreement to increase funding for prison capacity”.
He explained that over the past four years, $442m had been saved in Corrections through the government’s savings programme.
“We’ve reinvested those resources in the frontline to support Corrections to keep New Zealanders safe. This means the government can deliver an 810-bed extension to Waikeria prison to ensure capacity, safety and security across the prison network, supporting our commitment to stronger sentencing for criminals ", Mitchell explained.
He added that the government intended to add 685 new frontline staff at Corrections; this number includes 470 corrections officers.
"Corrections’ frontline staff do an exceptional job managing violent and complex offenders. We’re investing in pay increases for those staff so Corrections can continue to attract, retain and train staff," Mitchell said.
The government will also allocate $78m to extend rehabilitation programmes to 45% of prisoners who are currently on remand to assist in their rehabilitation efforts.
"In addition to getting violent criminals off the street, it’s important the right support is in place to help offenders break the cycle of offending and turn their lives around", Mitchell said.
The government’s plan includes hiring 500 more frontline police with powers to crack down on gang offending and illegal firearms, reintroducing the Three Strikes law, the opening of military academies for youth offenders, and the implementation of tougher sentences.
