More pluses from smoking ban in prison
July 3rd, 2012 at 12:00 pm by David FarrarIsaac Davidson at NZ Herald reports:
Corrections Minister Anne Tolley says a smoking ban in prisons has drastically reduced fire-related incidents and dangerous activities, while improving air quality for inmates.
Mrs Tolley said safety in prisons had improved since lighters and matches had been taken from inmates a year ago.
Officials said fire-related incidents fell from 76 in 2010/11 to 21 in 2011/12.
The smoking ban was introduced in July last year after a 12-month campaign to encourage inmates to quit.
“It has also removed the opportunity for prisoners to use lighters to melt plastic into dangerous weapons,” Mrs Tolley said.
She said a study of Auckland Prison found air quality had improved significantly and fewer respiratory illnesses had been reported.
“Despite scaremongering before its introduction, the smoking ban has been a real success. Staff and prisoners will continue to be offered nicotine replacement therapy, as part of a wider plan to treat offenders with addictions.”
I recall the predictions of riots!
July 3rd, 2012 at 12:05 pm
There is a far greater risk of disorder if prisoners are given access to fire lighting equipment and arguments over cigarettes.
Vote:July 3rd, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Another sky has failed to fall.
Vote:July 3rd, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Today the Minister of Corrections announced that a Government initiative was a huge success.
Wow
Wonderful news, comrades! As of next month the chocolate ration will be increased to 25 ounces…
Vote:July 3rd, 2012 at 12:22 pm
I think some people fail to accept it is a prison not a holiday home for miscreants
Vote:July 3rd, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Same deal with double bunking – it’s actually been really good, as they have a mate to talk to.
Vote:July 3rd, 2012 at 12:33 pm
scrubone (1,160) Says:
July 3rd, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Same deal with double bunking – it’s actually been really good, as they have a mate to talk to.
“mate” was a deliberate choice?
Vote:July 3rd, 2012 at 2:51 pm
No information released on how many breaches of the smoking ban have been discovered? Or incidents of smoking contraband being found within prisons?
I welcome the Minister’s good news story, but can’t believe that the ban has been implemented to perfection.
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