WINNIPEG – Mix-ups at provincial jails and penitentiaries have resulted in more than 3 dozen prisoners being released to early from prison.
The Province of Manitoba says since 2010 38 inmates have been accidentally released in Manitoba, nine of those in the past year.
Most of the inmates were taken back into custody within a month of their release, but others were free for up to five months.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation requested this information from the Province who started an independent review in 2011.
The review says, “In response to a number of accidental releases of persons in custody, the Minister of Justice directed that a comprehensive, independent review of factors leading to accidental releases be conducted.”
“They need to spend more time and attention getting this issue right because this is one of the main reasons people pay taxes to ensure there’s public safety in our community,” said Colin Craig of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
But Manitoba’s Attorney General said Friday, there’s no need to panic.
“We rely on the police to decide whether any public notification is necessary, Manitobans are aware that hasn’t happened for some time,” said Andrew Swan.
Number of released inmates in Manitoba by year:
- 2010/11: 15
- 2011/12: 7
- 2012/13: 6
- 2013/14: 9
- 2014/15: 1 (Only January reported)
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