Patrols and counts used at Saskatchewan lodge where inmates escaped

Watch above: Two inmates who walked away from a minimum security facility in Saskatchewan this past week have been recaptured. Joel Senick takes a look at how often these things happen and why some say there is no real cause for concern.

SASKATOON – Inmate counts and security patrols are used as security measures at institutions like the one where two inmates escaped from in Saskatchewan last Saturday, according to Correctional Service Canada (CSC). Anthony Ernest, 25, and Conrad Slippery, 31, escaped from the Willow Cree Healing Lodge Saturday, before being recaptured the next day.

A CSC spokesman declined an on-camera interview to discuss what specifically goes into securing the facility.

“Security measures in place at CSC minimum security institutions include the use of counts of inmates and security patrols conducted by staff,” read a statement provided by the CSC, in lieu of an interview.

“Furthermore, inmates, staff and visitors may be subject to searches,” it continues.

Willow Cree is a minimum security facility near Duck Lake, Sask. that promotes a “healing process based on Aboriginal culture” and “contributes to the successful reintegration of Aboriginal offenders,” according to the statement.

READ MORE: One escaped inmate serving time for murder: Sask. RCMP

Ernest is currently serving a six year sentence for various convictions, including use of a firearm and uttering threats. Slippery is incarcerated on a second degree murder conviction.

Both men were caught after authorities received tips from the public.

READ MORE: Two prisoners caught after escaping Saskatchewan healing lodge

From 2008 to 2013, 96 inmates escaped minimum security facilities across the country, according to CSC. It’s one drawback to the facilities, according to a University of Saskatchewan professor, who supports the use of healing lodges minimum security institutions.

“It’s not difficult to walk away from a minimum security institution or a healing lodge,” said Steve Wormith, a professor and director of the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Justice Studies.

“That’s one of the consequences of offering that kind of accommodation, but in our view the benefit really far outweighs the cost that it occurs,” he added.

The John Howard Society, a non-profit group that works with former inmates, advocates for the use of healing lodges, especially for aboriginal offenders.

“We know that the success rate of those serving their incarceration in the healing lodges is much greater than in a traditional setting,” said Greg Fleet, the provincial executive director for the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan.