It’s another example of rampant overcrowding in B.C. jails.
That’s according to the Corrections Chair of the BCGEU, reacting to the recent assaults of two jail guards at North Fraser Pretrial Centre.
Dean Purdy says the facility was maxed-out with more than 500 inmates, and relief isn’t expected for at least a couple of years.
“The employer has committed to building a new jail in the Okanagan, which is going to provide some relief, but until probably 2015, so we’re a ways away from that.”
Purdy is calling for so-called “rotational lock-ups,” which he says would let half of the inmates out at a time, giving guards more control over the prisoner population.
Brent Merchant, the assistant deputy minister for corrections, says guards are doing exceptional work, and while steps are taken to avoid risk, not every assault is preventable.
“Those assaults, we do review them with the union and management, and we look at what the recommendations are.”
Both Purdy and Merchant were speaking on the CKNW Morning News.
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