Corrections Officials Complete Critical Incident Review

Corrections officials have completed an internal review of the circumstances surrounding the escape of Jermaine Carvery.

Reviews are completed for situations such as an escape or a death. Mr. Carvery, 30, escaped from custody on April 3 after being escorted to the Queen Elizabeth II Health Science Centre. He has not been apprehended despite a Canada-wide search.

An internal review found several factors that likely contributed to Mr. Carvery's escape. The factors will be addressed.

"This underscores the need for a full and comprehensive external audit of polices and procedures," said Justice Minister Cecil Clarke. "I am accepting all recommendations and will provide this information to Deloitte, which is doing that audit."

"Our findings indicate that neither management nor staff followed proper escort policy and that Mr. Carvery was not searched before being put in the vehicle," said Mr. Clarke. "It was not possible to conclude how the shackles were removed."

The findings and recommendations are posted on the Department of Justice website at www.gov.ns.ca/just .

There are a dozen recommendations that will be addressed. Corrections staff will modify escort policies to include crimes of notoriety such a violent crime or hostage taking. Prisoner's who have previously attempted to escape will be included in the policy's high-risk offender category.

Staff will also be required to use portable hand-held metal detectors in addition to walk-through metal detectors.