Corrections say they have no record of ex Rimutaka inmate Jade Follett making any complaints regarding strip searches when she was a prisoner but will investigate the allegations of groping if a complaint is received. Jade Follett says Prison Officers groped her one more than one occassion during strip searches at Rimutaka Prison. Photo: RNZ / Phil Pennington Follett says that her breasts and buttocks were groped on more than one occasion during strip searches at Rimutaka Men’s Prison. In response to whether or not touching of an inmates breasts is usually part of a strip search, Chief Custodial Officer, Neil Beales says “As contraband may be concealed in various places, the strip search may involve the prisoner being asked to lift their breasts, for example.” Beales says “Prisoners are strip searched in order to prevent contraband entering prisons. Contraband such as drugs and weapons can pose a serious safety risk to staff and other prisoners. “Corrections demands a high standard of conduct and integrity from all employees and staff are expected to role model positive law-abiding behaviour. Our staff are provided with extensive training around conducting these searches. We acknowledge this can be an invasive procedure and can be difficult for both staff and prisoners. Our staff take every effort to ensure these searches are carried out with decency and sensitivity, and to ensure that the individual’s privacy and dignity is maintained throughout the process.” Regarding the logistics of a strip search, Beale says “Strip searches and rub down searches are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Corrections Act. For strip searches this includes that the search is made by an officer of the same gender as listed on the prisoner’s file and in the presence of another officer or constable, out of the view of other prisoners. “A strip search means a search where the person conducting the search may require the prisoner being searched to remove, raise, lower or open all or any of their clothing.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 2nd August 2016 - 12:44pm