Wellington, Fed 18 NZPA - The head of the Serious Fraud Office defended the agency's integrity today over suggestions it may be perceived to chase "celebrity" prosecutions.

Wellington, Feb 18 NZPA - A lack of staff is one of the main reasons behind the failures identified in a damning report into the management of offenders on parole, a union representing staff says.

Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - Maori groups or iwi are likely to put in tenders for running private prisons, the Maori Party says. The Government is drafting law changes to allow private companies to once again run prisons.

Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - Law changes are being drafted to allow private companies to once again run prisons. The Dominion Post reported today that Corrections Minister Judith Collins had instructed officials to implement the policy that National campaigned on.

Wellington, Feb 13 NZPA - The Government is calling for public comment on property managers and how they should be regulated. A public consultation document was released today by Justice Minister Simon Power.

Wellington, Feb 12 NZPA - Convicted offenders will have to pay a $50 victims levy under a bill which passed its first reading in Parliament tonight. National announced the policy in March last year and the bill is on the Government's "first 100 days" action list.

Wellington, Feb 12 NZPA - The law prevents the routine use of restraints to hold prisoners in police vans, Police Minister Judith Collins told Parliament today. Ms Collins was again questioned by Labour MPs about recent escapes from police custody.

Wellington, Feb 11 NZPA - New Corrections Minister Judith Collins has suggested that heads could roll at the Corrections Department if there are more prison escapes. Ms Collins talked tough in Parliament today when asked what she was doing in her new job.

Wellington, Feb 10 NZPA - The Government met one of its "first 100 days" promises tonight when it brought a bill to Parliament that strengthens the laws used against gangs.

Wellington, Feb 10 NZPA - Prisons built out of prefabricated modular units could be in use by September 2012, the Government said today.