Inspection report released for Rolleston Prison

The Office of the Inspectorate today released an inspection report for Rolleston Prison.

Inspections provide a ‘window into prisons’, giving early warning of emerging risks and challenges, and highlighting areas of innovation and good practice.

The inspection found the prison provided a safe and healthy environment where prisoners’ needs were met. Prisoners had access to a range of activities to keep them engaged and support positive change, including rehabilitation programmes, work experience and education programmes.

The inspection found that Rolleston Prison’s units and cells were warm, clean, free from graffiti and well maintained. There was little gang influence or vio­lence, but some bullying and standovers were reported. The prison had a construction yard and nursery for training and employment.

The inspection took place in July 2018.

Inspections are carried out against a set of healthy prison standards derived from United Nations guidelines on the treatment of people in detention (known as the Nelson Mandela Rules). These standards consider all aspects of prison life, with a particular focus on four guiding principles:

  • Safety: Prisoners are held safely
  • Respect: Prisoners are treated with respect for human dignity
  • Rehabilitation: Prisoners are able, and expect, to engage in activity that is likely to benefit them
  • Reintegration: Prisoners are prepared for release into the community and helped to reduce their likelihood of re-offending The Office of the Inspectorate is part of the Department of Corrections, but is required to act independently in its inspections and other investigations. The Office of the Inspectorate also carries out investigations into complaints from people under Correction’s management, investigates all deaths in custody, and can be tasked to carry out special investigations.

Note: For context and completeness, this statement should be viewed alongside Corrections’ response to the release of the inspection report for Rolleston Prison.

Read the complete Rolleston Prison Inspection report on our website.