Calls to carefully screen parolees
A senior Community Based Corrections Officer (CBC) wants a thorough screening process to be followed prior to releasing prisoners on parole.
Paul Bernard who is based in Madang, said experiences in Madang have shown, that most prisoner recommit when they are released and this is frustrating CBC officers.
"We need to carefully screen these prisoners so that we get the genuine ones who can pass through this process.
"We have heard communities complaining about some of the parolees and those released on license," aid Mr Bernard.
This response according to Bernard defeats the purpose of the CBC concept, and even makes a mockery of the system.
He said there were smart candidates who are known to have used other means to ensure they are selected ahead of other genuine prisoners.
Mr Bernard said there were several instances where he has personally intervened to address some of these hiccups.
"I think the time has come for us to reassess what we are doing. If we have defaulted, then we need to remedy this, otherwise, we will set a bad precedent," said Mr Bernard.
He said the parole concept was good but without prudent management, it could easily be manipulated by those with bad intentions.
He further suggested training for Correctional Service, Police and Community Based Corrections staff to up skill some of them.
"It is look over-due and this mishap is probably a result of this," said Mr Bernard.
He also urged provincial governments to also seriously look at the work of the CBC's, who he said have worked tirelessly, often with a shoe string budget.
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