Several gang members were involved in an altercation at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre on Thursday, igniting a renewed plea for help in dealing with gang violence.
The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) said more resources and better strategies are needed.
“Only a few staff members were present and could not prevent the altercation from happening,” said a statement from SGEU on Friday.
“Extra correction officers had to be called in to break up the factions.”
“We are hearing from our members the way these gangs are being housed and transported around the jail is just not working,” said SGEU president Bob Bymoen.
“Our members are very concerned, not only for their own safety but for the inmates also.”
The initial call for help was put out just weeks ago, following a lockdown on Aug. 26 after four inmates were injured in two separate fights.
Another inmate charged in the death of Tiki Laverdiere was seriously injured in a stabbing on Aug. 22.
SGEU said more rival gang violence and an inability to keep these factions apart is resulting in increased clashes between gangs, creating “a very volatile situation.”
“This situation is only going to get worse unless things change,” Bymoen said.
“We need to see a different strategy in dealing with these rival gangs, whether that is isolating them more, providing more high-security areas, providing more staff to prevent altercations, or changing their programming so these factions are kept apart at all times.”
WATCH: Lockdown, gangs and violence at Saskatoon Correctional Centre
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