The Department of Corrections has dismissed claims by a dozen inmates at the Otago Corrections Facility about allegedly lewd conduct by an officer during rub-down searches.
Corrections says the officer has been performing his duties to a high standard and no complaints have been substantiated.
There have been 15 complaints relating to an officer at the facility allegedly intentionally touching the genitals of prisoners during rub-down searches, the department confirmed this week.
The rub-down searches were conducted on all prisoners taking part in work at the facility to ensure they were not concealing contraband.
Corrections received 15 complaints relating to the officer's conduct during rub-down searches at the facility since March this year, made by 12 prisoners.
Prison director Dave Miller said in an emailed statement 14 complaints had been investigated and none were substantiated.
''We believe that the staff member conducts searches to a high standard and in accordance with our policy, which is consistent with the Corrections Act s 94 (2) and the Human Rights Act s 62 (2).
''One other complaint is still being looked at.''
After a complaint was made to the Human Rights Commission about the officer, staff from the tactical operations team observed the officer's searching practices on several occasions, Mr Miller said.
''No issues were found, and the staff were impressed by the officer's professionalism.
''In addition, CCTV footage relating to individual complaints was reviewed, and it was concluded that the officer's searches were consistent with his training and performed to a high standard.''
One complaint was referred to police for investigation, he confirmed.
''On review of the CCTV footage of the alleged incident, police observed that the officer performed the search in accordance with procedure and did not proceed with their investigation.''
Mr Miller said since receiving the complaints, Corrections had displayed information for prisoners to help them understand search procedures, which had led to a reduction in complaints.
