We are delighted to see that the Minister of Corrections is giving some serious thought to making prisons smoke free. Its an excellent idea that has been a long time coming. It appears that the liability for any smoking related illnesses among prison officers is one of the reasons.
Department of Corrections bosses found taxpayers could be liable for lawsuits from prison guards exposed to inmates' second-hand smoke.
The potential threat of legal action was heightened after the Government's decision to "double bunk" inmates in a single cell, raising the possibility of non-smoking prisoners suing the Government for being housed with smoking inmates.
The dangers of legal action were found after Collins instructed Corrections staff to investigate a ban, and its success rates overseas.
They found tobacco was used as currency inside prison and was the cause of disputes. Further reasons for the ban included the use of cigarette lighters and matches to melt plastic into which blades could be embedded, turning cell possessions into weapons.
While some would say that taking cigarettes off inmates could lead to riots - we are sure that if the programme is introduced in the right way with plenty of support for both inmates and officers to give up them the potential for violence will be lessened.
So well done Judith...
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