NZed on Prisoners

Prisoners to get mod-con televisions
25 September 2006
By MATTHEW DAVIS

State-of-the-art LCD televisions are set to be available for prisoners at Auckland's newest prison.

National Party law and order spokesman Simon Power has made public information showing that four flat-screen LCD televisions are to be provided for inmates at Auckland Region Women's Prison in Manukau at a cost of more than $1500 each.

Corrections chief financial officer John Ryan confirmed the four LCD televisions had been installed, saying it was the best overall option for high-security units in the prison.

"The flat and lightweight nature of these screens means they can be more easily wall-mounted out of reach of prisoners, reducing the risk of damage to the screens and the use of wall mounting as weapons or to self-harm," Mr Ryan said.

Standard colour televisions had been installed in lower-security units as there was less likelihood of damage, he said.

Mr Power said the LCD televisions contradicted claims by Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor that the new prison would not be "gold-plated" and showed he had lost control of his own department.

"Victims are trying to put their lives back together while these guys are sitting round watching Prison Break on flat-screen TVs and kept warm by under-floor heating, all at taxpayers' expense," Mr Power said.

Mr O'Connor said Corrections staff were doing a good job under difficult circumstances and all areas of spending were scrutinised.

LCD televisions are also expected to be installed in the Otago Region and Spring Hill Corrections facilities, which are still being built.

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haaay naku, sarap ng buhay ng mga bilanggo dito :)