Safety Improvements At Correctional Facility

A security breach at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility on Christmas Eve will lead to improved safety for staff and offenders, it was announced today, March 4, by Justice Minister Michael Baker.

Several corrective measures will be taken -- including disciplinary action -- to improve practices when offenders are admitted to the facility.

"Our internal review showed that mistakes were made and proper security procedures were not followed," said Mr. Baker. "Management and staff will now focus on clearing up any confusion that allowed a loaded .22-calibre handgun to get past a metal detector on Dec. 24."

The detector went off six times. The handgun was discovered about nine hours later in a garbage can.

The review recommends that the Department of Justice:

• take corrective action regarding admitting/discharge procedures that were followed during the incident;

• work with staff to review standard operating procedures for protecting evidence at a potential crime scene, and establish a process to make sure all staff are familiar with these procedures;

• work with staff to review processes that ensure staff have a working knowledge of current policies and procedures, standard operating procedures and the superintendent's directives;

• communicate with the various agencies responsible for bringing offenders to the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility to review safety and security during admissions;

• ensure consistency between standard operating procedures and the department's policies and procedures;

• work with staff to improve procedures to be followed if staff are confronted by an offender with a weapon.

Mr. Baker said privacy laws forbid the release of any details of disciplinary action, since they are part of an employee's personnel file.