Justice Minister says Burnside jail is safe despite recent problems
Posted Jul 8, 2010 02:33:14 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Nova Scotia Justice Minister Ross Landry says certain questions need to be answered before he reaches any conclusions about the accidental release of a convicted sex offender.
“[What were] the steps and processes how that occurred, and why that occurred?” he said. “That’s important to know, because whatever happens at the end of the day we don’t want it to be repeated.”
Robert Thomas Crowe, 22, of Cole Harbour was released Monday following a paperwork mix-up. He’s charged with a recent sexual assault while on probation for previous sex assault convictions.
As for recent riots in the jail, as well as stabbings and escape attempts, Landry says violence happens when violent people are kept together in an enclosed space.
But he stressed that he believes the jail is safe.
“I’d like to have a full answer for you right now, but there’s processes and steps to go through,” he said. “We don’t want to come forward and give you an answer because it’s just being asked. We want to come forward with the facts.”
Landry says the Burnside jail is under new management and the recent review into the suicide of an inmate has resulted in disciplinary actions against staff there.
He says despite a 2008 review that made specific recommendations to fix the problems, the issues need further investigation.
