"British Columbia’s overcrowded prisons
endanger both inmates and staff, and a number of core programs designed
to keep prisoners from reoffending have failed, according to a new
report by the province’s Auditor-General.
The
findings from Carol Bellringer’s audit of provincial adult custody
facilities, released Tuesday, echo the calls by the union representing
British Columbia’s correctional officers, which has long voiced concerns
about the dangerous conditions brought on by overcrowding.
In 2013/2014, nearly 16,000 people were
admitted into B.C. correctional centres, divided about equally between
those who were sentenced and those awaiting trial or sentencing.
Population growth and the closing of 10 provincial facilities in 2002
contributed to 'extensive double-bunking in cells'– almost all of which
were designed for single occupancy, the audit found....
'Prison
overcrowding increases risk to both inmates and staff and contributes
to the potential for conflict,' Ms. Bellringer said in a media
conference call after the release of her report.
'Although
the adult custody division inspects, assesses risk and monitors and
reviews critical incidents regularly, it cannot demonstrate whether
operating its prisons at these capacity levels provides for safe
custody.'
Safety and security incidents have nearly doubled in the past five years, she noted."
View the Final Report
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