Tēnā koutou,
I am writing to request information under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) regarding sexual assaults within New Zealand prisons. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the measures in place to prevent and address sexual assaults, as well as any failings that may exist.

Double Bunking and Safety Measures:
1. Please provide details on the practice of double bunking in New Zealand prisons. How has this practice evolved over the years?
2. What policies, processes, and tools does Corrections use to identify and mitigate safety concerns when placing individuals in shared cells?
3. How does the Shared Accommodation Cell Risk Assessment (SACRA) tool inform decision-making regarding cellmate compatibility? Are there specific risk factors considered?
4. How are individuals with a history of sexual offending assessed for suitability to double bunk?

Reporting and Safety Alerts:
5. How can prisoners notify staff of potential safety risks while in custody? What channels are available for reporting concerns?
6. What immediate actions are taken when an allegation of assault is made by a person in prison?
7. How are individuals who pose an identifiable threat to others handled? Is there a process for placing a “Not to Double Bunk” (NTDB) alert on their electronic file?

Staff Assaults and Accountability:
8. How many sexual assault charges have been laid against prisoners who assaulted Corrections staff in the last five years?
9. How many allegations of sexual assault by staff against prisoners were made during the same period, and what actions were taken in response?

Unreported Sexual Assaults:
10. Are there any documented cases of sexual assaults within prisons that were not officially reported to Corrections? If so, how are these incidents addressed?

Statistics and Trends:
11. Please provide the most recent data on sexual assaults in New Zealand prisons, including both national and prison-specific statistics.
12. How has the incidence of sexual assaults changed over the past decade?

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to receiving the requested information. Please respond within the statutory timeframe as stipulated by the OIA.

Ngā mihi nui,
Caleb