PRISONS BURSTING AT THE SEAMS, PUTTING CORRECTIONAL STAFF AND SAFETY AT RISK

Both Prince Albert Prisons Exceed Operational Capacity, Moe Does Nothing To Improve Public Safety

PRINCE ALBERT – Carla Beck’s team is questioning why, under Scott Moe’s watch, prisons have been overrun with inmates, putting correctional workers and general community safety at major risk.

The Prince Albert Correctional Centre is operating at 122 per cent of its capacity, and Pine Grove Correctional Centre is operating at 157 per cent, according to information provided to the Official Opposition through a freedom of information request.

“By continuing to jam pack prisoners into full prisons, we are jeopardizing the safety of our correctional workers and, sadly, the communities of Saskatchewan,” said Nicole Sarauer, Shadow Minister for Justice.

“It’s difficult to tackle crime if there is nowhere to put offenders. The first place to take the hit when overcrowding occurs is rehabilitation programs, which are critical as we prepare people to re-enter society.

“The less access to rehabilitative, mental health, and addictions programming in the jails, the more likely we are to see criminals reoffend, and the more crime is being pushed back into our communities.”

The severe crime index in Saskatchewan is double the national average. Despite this, Moe’s recent bad news budget spends three times as much on servicing his debt than it does on police.

Beck’s team plans to question the government during estimates later today as to why they let prison overcrowding get so bad. The Minister will also be asked to produce capacity reports for other correctional facilities in the province.
“Time and time again Moe and his minister have sat on their hands while crime soars, and people are scared,” said Jordan McPhail, Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs.

“Saskatchewan used to be a place where people felt safe to walk alone in their communities and leave their doors unlocked. After 20 years of the Sask. Party, we’ve lost that. Severe crime is out of control and, still, we see nothing to address these issues from Scott Moe and his Ministers.

“Clearly, it’s time for change.”

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