Rehabilitation programme for Buimo inmates on hold

REHABILITATION programmes for inmates at Buimo Prison in Lae have been put on hold until security issues are fully addressed, says prison commander Supt Judy Tara.
Practices and procedures of operations, security fencing and security measures have to be addressed before the programmes can resume, she said.
“After the escape (by 17 prisoners) on Jan 19, we are revisiting these areas to improve on them especially the security fencing and weekend visits,” she said.
A memorandum of understanding signed with the Lae City Authority will allow low-risk prisoners to be engaged in community work around the city.
“There will be a classification of prisoners to determine their eligibility to be part of that programme,” Tara said.
“The classification committee will do that on individual prisoners.” This is to make sure that only those in the low-risk category take part in the programme outside prison.
“Through this programme, we are also encouraging prisoners in the high-risk and medium-risk categories to change so that they can participate in the programme,” Tara said.