Chief Ombudsman slams excessive use of prisoner restraint123rf The Chief Ombudsman has condemned prisons' excessive use of restraints and tie-down beds. New Zealand prisons' use of excessive restraint is in breach of the UN Convention Against Torture, the Chief Ombudsman says. Corrections chief executive Ray Smith said he took "immediate steps" to review the use of tie-down beds after being alerted by the Chief Ombudsman. GETTY IMAGES Corrections chief executive Ray Smith says his department has changed its policies and practices after being informed of the Ombudsman's findings. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier said the general management of at-risk prisoners across the country was substandard and detrimental to their well-being.

Source: Stuff February 28, 2017 22:42 UTC