Correctional Service of Canada: Lockdown at Bowden Institution

INNISFAIL, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Sept. 2, 2011) - On Friday, September 2, 2011 at approximately 8:00 a.m. Bowden Institution authorized a lockdown of the institution to perform an exceptional search. As a result of isolated physical altercations and behaviours, a search is being conducted to ensure the ongoing safety and security of the institution, its staff, and inmates.

All visits have been cancelled pending completion of the search. The institution will return to normal routine when the Warden is satisfied that it is safe to do so.

Ensuring the safety and security of institutions, staff, and public remains the highest priority in the operations of the federal correctional system.

Bowden Institution is a federal penitentiary located between Innisfail and Bowden, Alberta. Currently, there are 564 offenders located at the medium security facility and 76 at the minimum security annex.