A Mount Eden prison worker has resigned after a letter was found in an inmate's cell that suggested they were in a romantic relationship with each other.
The letter was found on June 16 sparking Corrections to investigate. When asked about the letter the employee immediately resigned.
Acting Regional Commissioner Tayla Yandall said romantic relationships between staff and prisoners are unacceptable.
"We will not tolerate this type of behaviour in our prisons. We expect a high standard of conduct from all employees. The nature of our work means we must act beyond reproach at all times," Yandall said.
She said Corrections employs around 10,000 staff in prisons and the community and the "overwhelming majority" act with integrity, honesty and professionalism.
"We demand a high standard of conduct and integrity from all employees, and if any staff don’t meet the standards required we take action," Yandall said.
She said only one letter was found and it didn't contain evidence of any further misconduct.
This isn't the first time a prison worker has been involved romantically with an inmate.
In 2018, a prison counsellor had an inappropriate relationship with an inmate where they called the counsellor 56 times over four months.
At the time Health and Disability Commissioner Kevin Allen received a complaint from the Department of Corrections about the appropriateness of the services provided by the counsellor to the prisoner.
Allen said developing a personal and intimate relationship with the inmate meant the counsellor had breached professional and ethical standards.
