Balthazar says good leadership vital in prison management

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Tuesday 06th December 2011

By FRANCIS POKA
GOOD leadership is important in managing a prison, Correctional Services acting Commissioner Martin Balthazar says.
He told officers at the Baisu jail, outside Mt Hagen, in the Western Highlands not to be led astray by corrupt influences.
He said they must be good role models in the eyes of the prisoners and the public.
“We should demonstrate good leadership and groom prisoners so that they can become good citizens after their release,” he said.
“I heard many complaints from the officers against the commanding officer for abusing office and misusing official vehicles but that will not be entertained.”
He said officers should respect the commanding officer and put their differences aside.
He said the Correctional Services Disciplinary Act had changed and warned that officers committing offences faced severe penalties.
He said fines for minor cases had increased from K40 to K200 and serious cases increased from K200 to K1,000 if an officer was found guilty.
 “Once you are terminated from the job, there is no appeal heard by tribunals in CS headquarters,” he said.
He said all appeals would now have to go through
the National Court.
He urged officers to be faithful in performing their duties and not to accept bribes from prisoners.
“Remember that you have a family to take care of,” he said.
Balthazar said the 2011 pay increase was a Christmas bonus and appealed to officers to use the money wisely.