Jail inmates getting away with increasing assaults: union
Posted Jun 17, 2010 06:27:40 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The head of the union representing Nova Scotia’s prison guards says inmates at the Burnside jail who assaulted guards should be charged.
Joan Jessome says guards and staff are being attacked on a regular basis, not just during disturbances like Tuesday night’s.
“The issue around the increasing number of assaults and the seriousness of them and the lack of accountability and charges being laid against inmates is growing,” she said. “It needs to be addressed.”
She says inmates in other Nova Scotia jails aren’t allowed to get away with it.
“It’s not the same in the other facilities,” she said. “I know for instance in Cape Breton if you assault staff charges are laid. No question about it, charges are laid.”
David Horner, executive director for correctional services, says more staff, training and equipment have been added at the facility following complaints by guards. Jessome says that has led to improvements, but concerns remain.
