There was no risk to public safety at the time, a Corrections spokesperson said. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A prisoner escort vehicle broke down last week while carrying four inmates, who had to wait two and a half hours for a replacement vehicle.
A Corrections spokesperson confirmed to RNZ the vehicle broke down on Friday while transporting four prisoners from Greymouth Court back to Christchurch Men's Prison and Christchurch Women's Prison.
Corrections staff followed "established protocol", and there was no risk to public safety at the time, the spokesperson said.
"A replacement vehicle was dispatched immediately and arrived approximately two and a half hours after the breakdown occurred."
The cause of the breakdown was unknown as the van was still being assessed by a mechanic.
"Safety is our number one priority and we have a robust system in place to ensure prisoners can be safely transported between prisons, courts, specialist medical facilities and rehabilitation providers.
"We carry out tens of thousands of these prisoner escorts each year. A review is not required as staff took the appropriate action to safely manage and resolve the incident."
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