Prison asks for help

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 21, 15 October 1985, Page 4

Prison asks for help

Waikune Prison superintendent, Keith Hounslow, is asking local communities and groups for help in re-integrating offenders back into society, by involving them in their work or programmes. His plea comes with the introduction of the revised Criminal Justice Act on 1 October. The new act, the first revision since 1954, encourages more community involvement with prisoners so they are able to cope better when released back into the community. Some minor offenders will now not be sent to prison, but will be put on a programme to help a community group, and in turn the

group will help the offender learn skills and become involved in the community. The desired effect would be less crime and fewer people in prisons, said Mr Hounslow. He is hoping to set up community-based programmes within the camp, where hobbies and educational programmes can be taught by outside tutors. For the last year, Waikune has had several night classes where skills such as welding are taught. Mr Hounslow is hoping to establish an Alcoholics Anonymous group and is looking for people to assist with this. He is also looking for a tutor to teach carving to the inmates. Several inmates are already keen carvers but

need expert instruction. The Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP) is planning to organise tutors for courses which are in demand by inmates. Also introduced in the revised act is a new form of release from prisons. Once inmates have served half their sentence, they are able to go before a District Prisons Parole Board, which has the power to grant parole. Previously the board could only recommend parole. The board comprises of two members of the local community, a probation officer and a district court judge, from Taumarunui, who acts as chairman. Prisoners who have served half their time and have suitable accommodation and a job to go to, will probably be paroled by the board. The board can add special conditions for release, such as directing prisoners to attend evening classes, an Alcoholics Anonymous group or community programmes. "Many inmates are now finding work so they can be released early — they are going out and doing what the community expects them to do," said Mr Hounslow. The two basic ideas which the new act works on are: •There are often . better alternatives than prison for many offenders. •Offenders committing serious crimes, including offences of violence, should normally be sent to prison.