CAT/OP/NZL/1/Add.1
92.
It is not appropriate to provide blinds that can be controlled by detainees in cells.
Custody staff must be able to see into cells. However toilets in cells do have privacy
screens and these screens do not have peepholes. Where peepholes into cells exist in older
facilities these can be blocked, providing this does not create additional risk.
93.
Where cells are covered by CCTV, the toilet privacy screen provides adequate
privacy. It is not possible to remove CCTV coverage of these areas, as it would create
blindspots and therefore increase risks to staff.
94.
CCTV is used to both view and record activities in custodial areas. The monitors are
not visible to the general public. Inspection windows and ports are used to view detainees
in cells and are a necessary security precaution; allowing staff to conduct checks without
causing disruption. Police accept the recommendation to locate CCTV monitors in the
custody suite and out of public view. This will be incorporated into Police’s national
custodial standard.
Detainee rights
95.
Please refer to paragraph 50 of this report for a full description of what Police
currently do to ensure detainees are aware of their rights. Police will be considering other
methods to remind detainees of their rights during their time in Police custody.
Detainee property
96.
Police policy clearly stipulates the requirement and methods to securely store and
account for detainee’s property. Authorised Property Rules clearly detail the personal items
a detainee may bring into a police jail. The rules include the quantity and acceptable
content of the literature that may be kept and may be made available.
97.
Police undertake to re-emphasise to staff the importance of compliance with the
rules including accurate recording concerning the personal property in a training package
currently under development.
Detainee meals
98.
Police will discuss this recommendation with the different Districts and look at
methods for providing detainees with the original packaging of the pre-packed frozen meal
that provides a label listing the contents and the manufacture and expiry or best before date.
B.
Court cells
99.
The Subcommittee recommended that simple registers be kept for court cells, which
include times of arrival and departure, as well as other relevant information. Records
relating to prisoner details including detention times and disposition are maintained by
Corrections and Police, depending on who is responsible for the prisoner in the relevant
court. Police will work with Corrections to check that this procedure is common practice
throughout New Zealand.
C.
Penitentiary institutions
100. The Subcommittee recommended that New Zealand ensure the consistent
application of rules on exercise and outdoor activities, all accommodation (including at
Mount Eden prison) meets the requirements of natural light, and that the quality, variety,
nutritional value and that meal times be reviewed.
17
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