News release

Review of Offender-to-Offender Assault Complete

Justice

A review of an incident between two offenders at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility found that correctional staff responses were appropriate and in accordance with policies and procedures.

The altercation, in a dayroom at the facility, happened on the evening of May 11. One offender was seriously injured and taken to hospital.

Justice Minister Ross Landry requested the review immediately after the incident.

"We don't tolerate violence of any kind in our facilities but, unfortunately, incidents like this do happen," said Mr. Landry. "We're committed to investigating any serious incident that happens in one of our facilities and making changes if necessary.

"In this case, staff acted quickly and appropriately and ensured the offender received health-care services immediately. I'm very pleased that all policies and procedures were followed, but I also recognize that we can learn something from every incident that occurs."

The review considered the timelines for reporting the incident to the Halifax Regional Police. To ensure appropriate use of corrections and police resources, Department of Justice and Halifax Regional Police worked together to update and document the procedure for notifying police of incidents at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility.

For example, non-serious incidents, like property damage, will now be reported online. Emergency incidents, like an escape or major disturbance, are to be reported via 911 while other events that require police presence but not an emergency response are reported by calling a dedicated non-general inquiry number.

The incident review report is available at www.gov.ns.ca/just/updates.asp .