Correctional Services audit team on inspection drive

AN audit team from the Correctional Services headquarters in Port Moresby last week visited Baisu jail outside Mt Hagen to check on the status of the security and management of the jail facilities.
The team comprising four officers, visited different sections of the jail to check the functions and hear issues raised by CS officers on security measures and jail conditions that threatens the security of the jail.
Team leader Chief Insp Michael Waipo said their visit was to receive complaints and check to see the standards and the general operations of the jail.
Insp Waipo said the group would thoroughly check the detainee’s files, institutional revenue collection registry log book, armoury and administration files.
He said they commenced audit with the Bui Yebi jail in Southern Highlands province before proceeding to Mukurumanda in Enga.
After checking on Baisu, they would move to other jails in the Highlands region in the next 21days.
Insp Waipo said after they complete audit of all the jails, they would compile a report to put together with the CS annual performances reports.
He said all complaints and issues or security concerns would be registered and reported directly to CS regional director and technical adviser.
Insp Waipo said the audit, which would form the basis of annual CS performance in the country, would be measured by the Justice Advisory Group (JAG) to give scores accordingly and see which jail performed exceptionally well for the year.
“Last year, CS did well from the result compared to other Government departments,” Insp Waipo said.
Meanwhile, Baisu jail’s acting commanding officer Chief Insp Sabina Roika thanked the audit team for their visit, adding that the visit is one of the steps taken to remove corruption looming in jails and CS as a whole.
Insp Roika said CS facilities used to make revenue for the jail would also come under scrutiny, adding that CS are service providers and not business arms to make profit in order to sustain business.