Joseph reappointed as head of the Ministry of Correctional Services

Teokotai Joseph was reappointed as Secretary of the Department of Corrections for a second three-year term.

In a statement, the Office of the Public Service Commissioner said that for his second term, Joseph has several key objectives, one of which will be to focus on the development and implementation of the Integrated Offender Management System.

Another objective will be to review the legislation and regulations in force in order to modernize the laws of the ministry.

“It is expected that new ministry laws will clearly state the purpose of the ministry and include principles to guide decision-making regarding the management of inmates, offenders and the needs of victims, while striving to ensure the public, staff and community safety.”

Joseph also aims to include cultural protocols from each island to aid in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders and also for staff to understand each island’s culture when dealing with each offender.

The scoping of a new prison will be undertaken to ensure the safe and humane accommodation of inmates to enable the government to meet legislative and international standards for the treatment of offenders and vulnerable groups such as the young, the disabled and the inmates and offenders with mental disorders, the statement added.

“Joseph and the corrections team will continue to work to reduce the recidivism rate for offenders.”

Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter looks forward to working closely with Joseph over the next three years.

Hunter said he has known Joseph for a long time and is confident that as head of the ministry he will continue to discharge his duties and responsibilities competently, professionally and fairly.

Joseph has over 10 years of experience in various senior management roles in the field of probation/corrections and “is able to work independently or collaboratively within a larger team that is always aiming for the excellency”.

He began his career with the Cook Islands Police, moving into the Probation Service where he rose to the position of Chief Probation Officer, until his appointment as Secretary of Corrective Services in 2018.

Heads of Ministries are employed under three-year fixed-term contracts. Under the Civil Service Amendment Act 2009, the employment of a HoM can be ‘transferred’ to a second three-year fixed term contract with the approval of Cabinet, provided the performance criteria were fulfilled during the first term of the HoM. “During his first term as Secretary, Joseph, along with the Corrections team, performed above average, earning them a Public Service Award.”