New Zealand prisons spent $1m on slushie machines to cool tensions
Corrections department feared another summer heatwave could lead to a rise in violent incidents
New Zealand’s department of corrections recently spent over NZ$1 million (£500,000) on slushie machines in a bid to reduce tensions with inmates, a decision that has been facing a backlash, as per The Guardian.
Information obtained by the opposition National Party revealed that 193 machines were bought as a preventative measure after a record-breaking heatwave in 2017-2018 summer.
An increase in prison numbers coupled with the intense heat, means an increased risk of violent incidents, the department said, and measures had to be taken to try to keep staff and prisoners safe.
The sugary frozen drinks were found to be more effective at keeping staff cool rather than just chilled water, the department said adding that other measures such as wet face cloths and personal fans were also introduced.
Acting national commissioner of police Andy Milne defended the purchase, saying “The situation had the potential for significantly increased prisoner tension and aggression, and the real risk that prisoners or staff would be seriously hurt as a result.”
There are 9,000 corrections staff working in New Zealand’s prisons and a similar number of prisoners.
But National party leader Simon Bridges described the spend as 'irresponsible' and an “extraordinary waste of taxpayers’ money”.
“This kind of spending shows the government doesn’t need to be taxing Kiwis more, as they clearly don’t know how to spend what they’re already taking,” Bridges said.
Corrections minister Kelvin Davis made no apology and said corrections staff worked in conditions reaching more than 30 degrees, whilst carrying around six kilogrammes of protective equipment.
Neil Beales, the chief custodial officer at corrections, said the slushie machines, along with other cooling measures, were a success because there had been no major incidents between staff and prisoners during the 2018/2019 summer, despite the hot conditions.
Information obtained by the opposition National Party revealed that 193 machines were bought as a preventative measure after a record-breaking heatwave in 2017-2018 summer.
An increase in prison numbers coupled with the intense heat, means an increased risk of violent incidents, the department said, and measures had to be taken to try to keep staff and prisoners safe.
The sugary frozen drinks were found to be more effective at keeping staff cool rather than just chilled water, the department said adding that other measures such as wet face cloths and personal fans were also introduced.
Acting national commissioner of police Andy Milne defended the purchase, saying “The situation had the potential for significantly increased prisoner tension and aggression, and the real risk that prisoners or staff would be seriously hurt as a result.”
There are 9,000 corrections staff working in New Zealand’s prisons and a similar number of prisoners.
But National party leader Simon Bridges described the spend as 'irresponsible' and an “extraordinary waste of taxpayers’ money”.
“This kind of spending shows the government doesn’t need to be taxing Kiwis more, as they clearly don’t know how to spend what they’re already taking,” Bridges said.
Corrections minister Kelvin Davis made no apology and said corrections staff worked in conditions reaching more than 30 degrees, whilst carrying around six kilogrammes of protective equipment.
Neil Beales, the chief custodial officer at corrections, said the slushie machines, along with other cooling measures, were a success because there had been no major incidents between staff and prisoners during the 2018/2019 summer, despite the hot conditions.