Prison escapes were at a record low, largely thanks to new security measures, Corrections Minister, Judith Collins says.
For the 2010-11 financial year there were four escapes - two from Corrections custody and two from jails - compared with nine the previous year.
In 2008-09 there were 12 escapes, including five from prisons, and 23 in 2007-08, seven of which were from prisons.
The minister said this year's result was due to sophisticated perimeter fencing, new detection and surveillance systems, improved intelligence and single points of entry.
A Corrections spokeswoman said public safety was the department's priority and the latest figures reflected work on keeping public safe through containing prisoners.
The security classification system introduced in 2010 was established to reduce escapes.
Included in these changes were criteria that a prisoner must meet to be considered for a work party outside the prison perimeter.
The tightening of these criteria resulted in no walkaway escapes.
Incidents where low-security prisoners walked away from work parties or other areas of supervision was the most common escape method.
Freedom defined
Breakout: Where a prisoner breaches the security of and leaves a prison, court complex or other place of custodial control. For example, forced exit from prison or escape from custodial staff, or by escaping while under the direct control of a corrections officer.
Other escapes: Other escapes include walkaway escapes, where a low-security prisoner breaches trust by walking away from their supervision and escapes while under escort, where a prisoner escapes while under the control and supervision of officers during escorted outings, such as to and from court.
ESCAPE FIGURES
2007-08 - Breakouts: Christchurch Prison (1), Invercargill Prison (1), Mt Eden Prison (3), Waikeria Prison (2). Other escapes: Auckland Women's Facility (2), Auckland Prison (1), Christchurch Prison (2), Hawkes Bay Prison (3), Mt Eden (2), Rimutaka Prison (1), Tongariro/Rangipo Prison (1), Waikeria (3), Wellington Prison (1).
2008-09 - Breakouts: Northland Corrections (1), Tongariro/Rangipo (3), Waikeria Prison (1). Other escapes: Auckland (1), Rimutaka (2), Rolleston (1), Spring Hill Corrections (1), Tongariro/Rangipo (1), Waikeria Prison (1).
2009-10 - Breakouts: Auckland Prison (1), Wellington Prison (1), Waikeria Prison (1). Other escapes: Auckland Women's (1), Hawkes Bay Prison (2), Rolleston (1), Tongariro/Rangipo (2).
2010-11 - Breakouts: Waikeria Prison (1) , Rimutaka (1). Other escapes: Manakau Court (2).
