The Chief Inspector of Corrections is reviewing the handling of an inmate at Auckland's maximum security prison, after questions were raised about how long and often he was tied down to his bed.
Corrections said the man, who it was not naming, was a highly complex and difficult prisoner who had at times posed a significant risk to himself and staff.
It said the Office of the Ombudsman had expressed concerns about the length of time and frequency it was deemed necessary to use a tie down bed when dealing with the prisoner.
The Department is also carrying out an operational review into the policy and training related to the general use of tie down beds.