Custody staff have been finding new ways to break down barriers with vulnerable prisoners, one board game at a time.
Senior Sergeant Stu Taylforth, O/C Wellington District Custody Unit, says the team have been working on an Activity Centre where they can use games, books and other activities to engage with prisoners.
“Our staff want to have a positive impact with offenders, especially where it can get them the help they need and prevent further offending,” says Stu.
He challenged staff at the DCU to change their mindset about how they engage with prisoners, to cultivate trust and confidence and create a safer work environment.
Their plans for vulnerable prisoners now include the option of resources from the Activity Centre.
“Engaging with prisoners in this way makes them feel more comfortable and encourages them to talk to staff about their personal situation,” he says.
“This information enables us to make better charging decisions and referrals to support services. And also, we often gain information about what is happening in the criminal environment.”
The initiative proved itself when a district top-five youth offender was remanded in police custody because no secure beds were available at a youth residential facility.
At the start of the shift, Sergeant James Stewart and Custody Officers Gary Mitchell and Megan Gardiner discussed how they could make his stay as stress-free as possible.
All took turns to spend time with the youth, using the day room to give him more space. Gary spent time with him colouring pictures, James provided first aid by dressing a graze on his knee and Megan ate with him.
Stu says they all demonstrated real empathy and professionalism and found the youth - who had a history of being ‘hard to deal with’ - a pleasure to manage. The young man was grateful for the way they treated him and wrote a note of thanks.
An Oranga Tamariki youth justice worker later contacted the DCU, saying the team’s engagement with one of their high-needs young people – with a negative view of police - was a welcome surprise.
“Your calm and interactive approach has hopefully gone some way towards repairing some of the negative views,” the youth worker wrote.
DCU staff enjoyed the positive interaction and believe that, should the young man come back into custody, he will be easier and safer to deal with.
James reports that two months later the youth has not come to Police attention again. “This is a remarkable outcome given he had already been arrested 12 times this year,” he says. “I’m proud of the positive impact our team has had.”
Stu says the staff have grasped how being a high-performing team means better outcomes - for themselves and those in their care.
“The team can see how their approach contributes to the ‘Why, What, and How’ of Our Business and impacts on better outcomes for everyone,” he says.