Maximum security prison in Edmonton on lockdown; staff doing ‘exceptional’ search

EDMONTON – A maximum security prison in Edmonton has been put into a lockdown.

A brief statement from assistant warden Matthew James says the lockdown was put in place on Monday morning to allow staff to conduct an “exceptional” search of the Edmonton Institution.

He says the search was ordered to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff and inmates.

Visits have been suspended until the search is completed.

James says normal operations will resume as soon as it is considered safe to do so.

No other details were given.