PRINCE ALBERT, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Dec. 15, 2016) - Correctional Service Canada
Staff at Saskatchewan Penitentiary gained control of the institution's medium-security unit following a riot last night.
As staff were securing the ranges in the unit, three inmates were discovered with injuries that appeared to result from assaults by other inmates. They were sent to outside hospital in serious condition. Inmate Jason Leonard Bird died as a result of injuries sustained during the riot. His next of kin have been notified. One inmate returned from hospital last night.
Correctional Officers had to discharge firearms as part of the emergency response to gain control of the situation. A further six inmates were injured due to this response. None of those injuries are considered life-threatening. Five of them were sent to outside hospital for treatment, and one received medical care on-site. One of these inmates returned from hospital last night.
Today, penitentiary staff continue to assess the situation to ensure the safety of all staff and inmates, and to identify any additional inmate injuries. As well, staff will be assessing the extent of the damage to the units. The police have also been contacted and are on site conducting their own investigation.
The safety and security of the public, our employees and offenders remain the Correctional Service of Canada's (CSC's) top priority. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is considered safe to do so. Access to the institution remains restricted, and visits continue to be suspended.
We will conduct a full review into the cause of the riot and our response, and will cooperate fully with the police. Once that is complete, we will look at making any necessary changes to our policies and procedures.
Associated links
News release: Death of an inmate at Saskatchewan Penitentiary
Contact Information:
Regional Communications Manager
Prairie Region Headquarters
(306) 659-9216