Correctional Services needs support

PERHAPS one of few government departments that gets its fair share of flak from the public is the Correctional Services.
And it comes about only when there is a jail breakout.
The department has been embroiled in management issues over the last two to three years compounded by funding constraints.
It is reassuring to hear from new Correctional Services Minister Roy Biyama that there will be no changes to its management.
Biyama must be commended for ensuring that the Community Corrective Centre (rural lock-up) project, rehabilitation of inmates and strengthening of the agriculture project in prisons are implemented.
The Correctional Service is jointly responsible with the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government for the operations of 10 rural lockups in the country.
They are in Misima in Milne Bay, Menyama and Finschhafen in Morobe, Angoram, Ambunti and Maprik in East Sepik, Hutzena in Bougainville, Bogia in Madang and Baiyer in Western.
The rollout started in 2009 through funding from the Government and counterpart funding from various provincial administrations who showed interest in establishing such facilities in their local level governments, districts and stations.
The district lock-ups was one of the CS department’s three impact projects in 2013 under its modernisation programme.
Both the department and ministry were convinced that it would effect a turnaround in its operation.
The Correctional Services was engaged in talks then with MPs to be partners in the establishment of district rural lock-ups. But things did not eventuate as expected because of budget constraints.
This must continue and MPs have to acknowledge the importance of having a rural lock-up in their districts.
The community corrective centre would ensure that minor offenders in districts are punished.
This will also alleviate the problem of overcrowding in the major prisons.
Biyama wants to also focus on rehabilitation which is a priority. He needs to be supported so that prisoners are prepared for what to face, and how to fend for themselves, outside prison when they are released.
There was a draft detainee rehabilitation policy, supported by a modern prison industries programme, drawn up with the assistance of AusAID through its technical and policy experts, plus the refurbishment and beefing up of security at Bomana Prison.
The draft policy was a comprehensive framework for rehabilitating detainees and improving the safety of the public.
Former Correctional Services Minister Jim Simatab had expressed concern that not much had taken place in 2014 because the department lacked a development budget.
CS commissioner Michael Waipo last week expressed concern about the manpower shortage caused by the recruitment freeze on new public servants, maintenance of houses and operational costs of maintaining institutions.
Together, we can work to address these issues.
With the proactive approach already taken by Biyama, most of these issues will certainly be looked into so the institution can fulfil its role better.
The prospects for development in 2014 are good but the challenges remain great and most of it relate to funding.
If all these are addressed, Correctional Services will be in a better position to achieve what Biyama is planning for the department.
He should be given the support and assistance he needs.