SASKATOON – Two disturbances last month at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre is exposing a big hole in the system, according to the union that represents correctional workers in the province. No injuries were reported but the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) says they might not be so lucky next time.
On July 21, police were called to help corrections staff after the facility was significantly damaged following an escape attempt. The disturbance was brought under control within a few hours.
Six men were charged with mischief over $5,000 and escape custody. After the disturbance, 15 inmates were moved to other facilities in the province.
Five men were charged with participating in a rioting and interfering with the lawful operation of the correctional centre following another disturbance at the facility on July 26.
READ MORE: 5 facing charges of participating in a riot at Saskatoon prison
SGEU officials say these two disturbances are just more symptoms of the serious resource shortage in Saskatchewan’s corrections system.
“Our union and our members have been raising the alarm for years about overcrowding and short-staffing in our correctional centres,” said SGEU president Bob Bymoen.
“SGEU has grave concerns that if more resources aren’t invested in the corrections system, it will only be a matter of time before someone is injured or killed.”
SGEU is calling for more secure cells to separate inmates when necessary, infrastructure repairs and addressing staff shortages.
“All the employees are asking for is to have a safe work environment, proper equipment, and the updated training they need to protect our communities, inmates and staff,” said Bonnie McRae, the legal inspection and regulatory chair of SGEU’s public service sector.
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