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| Security at Nude Prison BBQ Criticized |
| By Toronto Star |
| Published: 12/24/2002 |
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A barbecue at a psychiatric jail where potentially violent inmates frolicked nude in a fountain, feasted on filet mignon and climbed trees in an open courtyard was inadequately supervised, says a report by the Correctional Service of Canada. Photos taken by a designated prisoner during the August 2 barbecue at the Saskatoon Regional Psychiatric Centre, which showed at least one inmate naked in the fountain, were leaked to the media three weeks later. Staff had not reported what went on to supervisors or senior officials. The 22 inmates who took part in the barbecue were all from the aggressive behaviour control program for those who are 'impulsively aggressive' with 'extensive histories of criminal violence.' Tim Krause, a spokesperson with the Correctional Service of Canada, acknowledged the photos were damaging. 'It's too bad that this had to happen because it certainly has left a black mark on the institution,' Krause said. 'It's something that we're going to have to work on in the months and the years ahead to combat that negative perception.' The 35-page report says 16 people were investigated and disciplinary action was taken, but Krause said he couldn't reveal details. The manager of the program was suspended without pay after the barbecue, but it's not known for how long. The report says there were at least four staff members who saw prisoners filling the fountain with a garden hose over a three-hour period but said nothing, even though it was not a 'routine event.' It was not the first time the fountain was filled with water, however. Inmates had done so at a barbecue in June without incident. They therefore assumed they could do it again, the report indicates, although it goes on to say: 'The activity that the patients engaged in was clearly not condoned by any staff member, but did pose a safety risk to the patients related to injury or even drowning.' It was not until a correctional officer assigned to the unit came out to the courtyard that the fountain was ordered drained. But the officer did not ensure that had been done when prisoners were allowed back to resume the barbecue about a half hour later. As well, the officer didn't actually check the courtyard during most of his hourly rounds that afternoon to confirm patients he had to account for were indeed there. The inmates did pay for their filet mignon with money they had won at a soccer and baseball competition. The barbecue had been approved by the program director. Inmates are allowed four 'special food' events a year as part of socialization efforts and paid for with their own money. Krause pointed out the policy on approving inmate socials at the centre was not clearly defined. The hospital is refining its approval process for such events and reviewing its policy on checks, counts and supervision with staff. Another issue raised as a security concern was the fact barbecue participants climbed trees from which they could have gained access to a wall and escaped. The trees were subsequently cut down. |
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