Minister Releases Corrections Audit

Justice Minister and Attorney General Cecil Clarke vowed to improve the corrections system in Nova Scotia, as he outlined, today, Dec. 18, an action plan for the adult correctional system.

Mr. Clarke released the findings of an external audit on the corrections system, which he ordered last April after the mistaken releases of inmates. The audit, conducted by the management consulting firm Deloitte, contains 51 recommendations as part of its comprehensive review on the policies and procedures of correctional facilities in Nova Scotia.

"I am pleased to accept, in principle, all 51 recommendations which our department has carefully studied," said Mr. Clarke. "Our department has taken immediate action on some, while others will take longer to address.

"One thing is certain, with this report, we will change the way we do business," Mr. Clarke told a news conference. "These are challenges that can be fixed if we all work together to build an improved corrections environment."

The audit found that Nova Scotia's inmate escort policy is consistent with other correctional services divisions, however, systemic improvements need to be made to reflect increasing movement of inmates through the system.

"Our goal is to have a system based on best practices and we will work toward that in the year ahead," said Mr. Clarke. "We've already begun revamping the admissions and discharge process, which we have identified as our number one priority in reducing the risk of mistaken releases."

The Department of Justice has appointed a senior civil servant to lead the implementation and two senior staff are working at the central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility to support the changes required.

The 137-page Deloitte audit recommended a staff review to determine the proper human resources required in all five adult facilities. The review has already begun.

The full report and government's response can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/just .