Prison just over the fence

NEIGHBOURS: For many people in our district New Zealand’s largest prison, Waikeria, is just over the fence. So is it a good neighbour? 124061AD

By Dean Taylor

Waikeria Prison is New Zealand’s largest single site penal institution, and is just over the fence for many of our farming families.

Escapes are relatively few and far between considering the muster and the fact that many inmates are employed on tasks on the prison’s farm and surrounds.

On Tuesday, April 18 an inmate escaped from the prison. Police came under fire for delaying the release of information about the escape to the media, from Waikeria Prison, but say the decision was tactical and warranted.

Earle Roberts was serving five years for burglary, and was recaptured in Hamilton the weekend following his escape. The media release was sent on Friday, April 21.

Police communications officer Kris McGehan says on occasions, not just prison escapes, releasing information to the public is delayed because it may jeopardise the investigation. She says this was one of those occasions. She say each incident is judged on merit. In the case of an escape if a prisoner is considered dangerous, information is released immediately.

Waikeria Prison has an automated system that informs nearby residents of an escape. This system was employed after Roberts escaped and in fact Police received information from witnesses which assisted their investigation.

The general consensus of residents spoken to by the Courier was that the system works well and generally there are no real concerns when an escape is notified. Locals say it seems that escapees are usually keen to get away from the area and nobody recalled any serious incidents as the result of an escape from the prison.

A second Waikeria Prison inmate was reported missing on Tuesday, April 25, but was discovered hiding on prison grounds.