New Zealand: mega-prisons overseas have been absolute failures

We’re being told to look at the inroads being made with some US prisons to determine how New Zealand should progress with our justice system.

Waikeria prison, near Te Awamutu, is set to be upgraded, with a new 500 bed high security jail, and a 100 bed mental health facility - a number of beds much smaller than National’s planned mega-prison.

Social justice advocate Kim Workman told Kate Hawkesby there was never any need for a super sized prison.

He says there are several states in the US which have made huge reductions in prison numbers, benefiting the public.

‘There’s been no impact on public safety at all and, in fact, in the three states that have reduced prison numbers by the largest number the crime rate has gone down. “

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