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Professor of sociology Greg Newbold - Source: Breakfast -
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A former inmate turned academic doesn't believe a nationwide prison smoking ban that comes into effect today will result in any major problems within prison walls.
There had been concerns the move, which the Department of Corrections hopes will create healthier and safer prisons, could spark a revolt amongst prisoners.
However Greg Newbold, Professor of Sociology at the University of Canterbury says he believes there isn't any real chance of riots.
He told TV ONE's Breakfast that he expects some individual prisoners may get "strung out" due to the nicotine deprivation and that some teething problems were likely.
"But for the most part I don't think you'll get any serious protest."
Newbold said inmates have also had a long time to get used to the idea.
"They have had a month to wean themselves off and it's been projected for a long time."
In that time prisoners have been offered nicotine patches to kick the habit.
Newbold said the fact that the ban applied not just to prisoners, but also prison staff and visitors, will put everyone "in the same boat".
"So it's not like the prisoners are going to feel victimised, because it applies to everyone.
"I wouldn't see any great sense of injustice being felt," he said.
Black market concerns
Assistant general manager of Prison Services Brendan Anstiss admits prisoners are a challenging lot and will resist the ban and there will be attempts to smuggle tobacco in.
He said prisoners are "resourceful" and have tried to smuggle banned items in forever.
However Newbold says tobacco is unlikely to become a black market staple, unlike alcohol and illicit drugs.
"You may get some smuggling, but cigarettes don't make you feel good, cigarettes just stop you from feeling bad when you've got an addiction. Once the addiction is gone, then cigarettes are pointless."
He said rumours that a packet of cigarettes could go for $300 within prison walls were ridiculous.
"If you can buy a joint for $10, why would you pay $300 for a packet of smokes?" he asks.
He says when people are no longer addicted to tobacco, then there will be no incentive for a black market.
A year ago around 65%, or 6000 prisoners smoked, but since then more than 5700 have signed up to nicotine replacement therapies.
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