Justice Ellis commends CIS officers in Baisu, calls for urgent facility upgrades

The Judge Administrator of the Wabag National Court, Justice Graham Ellis, has praised Correctional Institute Service officers in Baisu, Western Highlands Province, for their dedication and resilience despite deteriorating facilities and minimal government support.

His remarks came following trials conducted in Baisu last week.

"The CIS officers are doing an exceptional job despite the difficulties they face. While their work is commendable, they need support. Law and Order institutions need to work in partnership. There is no point for the police to risk their lives and do arrests only for people to escape again in Baisu," Justice Ellis said.

He also emphasized that judges must consider the unacceptable conditions in which sentenced inmates are kept. Most of Baisu’s correctional facilities were constructed in the 1960s and have not received proper maintenance since.

"There is an urgent need to renovate these facilities. If the institution is condemned and forced to close, it will have severe repercussions for law and order, as it houses inmates from nearly all seven Highlands provinces," Justice Ellis added.

The deteriorating conditions also pose a high risk of a mass breakout, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of both staff and inmates.

In response, the court has ordered CIS Minister Joe Kuli to provide a detailed update on measures being taken to address the issues at Baisu by the end of next week.