17 Mar 2017

Cook Islands prison system blamed for triple deaths

12:08 pm on 17 March 2017

A review of a triple shooting in the Cook Islands says the country's prison system is to blame.

Chris Rimamotu.

Chris Rimamotu. Photo: Cook Islands Police Service / Facebook

In October last year escaped prisoner, Chris Rimamotu, shot his former partner and her friend and then killed himself.

An inquiry lead by former Australia Federal Police assistant commissioner, Denis McDermott, has led to a report calling for big changes to Prison Services.

The Cook Islands News reported that it detailed 47 necessary improvements, including more staff so that there is a minimum of four on a shift instead of the current two, and that there are at least three female wardens employed.

Other changes advocated were for better equipment, an end to wardens hiring prisoners at weekends, a ban on access to mobile phones and the building of a modern and more humane prison facility.

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