MINISTER CALLS FOR REVIEW OF PUBLIC NOTIFICATION PROCESS

Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Darryl Hickie has asked his Ministry to review communications policy after the escape of six Regina Provincial Correctional Centre inmates on Sunday night, five of whom are still at large.

"My first concern is for the safety of people in this province and I am concerned about the length of time it took to notify the public about this escape," Hickie said. "The first priority of the Corrections staff is to ensure the containment of the other offenders and the safety of both staff and inmates. However, I do believe that we can make some policy changes that will ensure that the public gets information as soon as it is available.

Hickie said as a former police officer and corrections worker himself, he understands that those involved both from the RCMP and the Corrections side are dealing with many urgent tasks when an escape occurs.

"Still, the first priority is the safety of the public, and if we can improve public safety through a faster public notification process, that's what we need to do."

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For more information, contact:

Rosann Semchuk
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0980
Email: rosann.semchuk@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-1601