Jail sets up charter to give prisoners a voice

By MARJORIE FINKEO
BOMANA Jail has launched a prison service charterthat will encourage prisoners to report complaints and concerns in writing to the management.
The system, which is in line with Correctional Services (CS) strategic plan 2019-2022, was launched last week witnessed by CS staff, prisoners and officials from Justice Service and Stability for Development (JSS4D).
The charter is an agreement between Correctional Services, the government and the prisoners.
It will be funded and managed by JSS4D under Australian
aid, Correctional Services assistant commissioner of policy and evaluation David Suagu said.
“The programme will address queries, worries and other issues that are faced by the prisoners in Bomana and other institutions,” Suagu said.
He said the CS management team would provide a metal box into which the prisoners can puttheir written complaints.
All the complaints received would be taken to acting commissioner Stephen Pokanis, who would then respond directly to the individual prisoners.
JSS4D anti-corruption adviser John ToGuata said the charter was made up of 10 commandments and three basic concepts which the prisoners had follow.
The concepts are accountability, transparency and empowerment.
The programme is also available at Beikut jail, in Bougainville; Biru, in Northern; Daru; Kerevat, in East New Britain; and Ningerum, in West Sepik.