Nine Corrections employees were placed on special leave in May last year after the police passed on information which alleged their actions were of concern. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Corrections has paid almost a year's worth of wages to Rimutaka Prison staff who have not worked while they are being investigated for misconduct.
In May last year, nine Corrections employees were placed on special leave after police passed on information about 10 staff members, including management, whose alleged actions were of concern.
One of the 10 had already resigned by the time the allegations were made public, and two were also subject to other employment investigations.
Chief custodial officer Neil Beales said eight of the employment investigations were ongoing, but all nine employees remain on leave.
"All staff who are placed on leave pending the outcome of employment investigations continue to be paid throughout the process," Beales said.
"One investigation has recently been completed and no allegations investigated were upheld."
No further information could be provided, Corrections said, citing the Employment Relations and Privacy Acts.
It was unclear if the person against whom no allegations were upheld would be returning to work.
The allegations made against the staff included claims of smuggling contraband such as phones and food, workplace bullying, failing to follow critical safety and security procedures, not maintaining professional boundaries, and inappropriately accessing prisoner information.
It followed a police investigation into suspected staff corruption at the prison, dubbed 'Operation Portia', which began in 2020.
The Crown Solicitor in Wellington is currently assessing "a number of matters", police said.
They would not confirm whether any charges had yet been laid, nor whether the police investigation continues.
A 2020 report by the Office of the Inspectorate, following an unannounced 2019 visit, showed violence and gang activity within the Upper Hutt prison's walls.
It found while prisoners in low security units reported feeling safe from bullying, violence, and standover tactics, these occurred in most high security units.
