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Bill strengthens prison drug search laws

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Bill strengthens prison drug search laws

3News NZ

Prisons have a stronger regime for drug testing inmates under a bill that's been passed by Parliament.

The Corrections Amendment Bill makes it an offence for prisoners to "water load" before taking a drug test – drinking large amounts of water to dilute their urine sample.

The rules around strip searching prisoners for drugs have been simplified, making it easier for the searches to be authorised if an inmate is suspected of possessing drugs.

The bill also bans tobacco products on prison grounds.

Smoking in prisons is already banned but Corrections Minister Anne Tolley says it's necessary to strengthen the law so that no one can bring tobacco in.

The bill passed its third reading by 70 votes to 50 on Tuesday night.

Labour and the Greens opposed it because they consider some of its provisions are unnecessarily harsh.

NZN

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Comments

24/03/2013 7:32:10 p.m.

bukster wrote:

First it's prisons, then it enters the general workforce. I can just see water loading accusations appearing in workplaces soon.

8/03/2013 4:04:39 p.m.

Dan wrote:

None of the provisions seem particularly harsh, but they are instead appropriately in keeping with current legislative practices in prisons. banning tobacco products on prison grounds, for example, dovetails nicely and acceptably with the current ban on smoking in prisons. The left oppose this? Giving inmates a chance at a decent, clean and sober life once they are freed? That's utter PC crap. They should support the more sensible measures taken by National, like muppet Shearer said about muppet Key and his party's policies when Shearer first became Leader.

1/03/2013 6:29:23 p.m.

Chris wrote:

'Labour and the Greens opposed it because they consider some of its provisions are unnecessarily harsh' . That sum's up the moronic lefts attitude nicely. more worried about prisoners 'rights' - good grief. Unbelievable.