CORRECTIONS MINISTER ANNOUNCES EXTERNAL INVESTIGATION

Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Darryl Hickie, today announced that he is commissioning an external team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent escape of six inmates from the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre.

"I am committed to ensuring the security and safety of Saskatchewan people," Hickie said. "This external investigation will help us improve our policies and procedures in order to help us forward the Government's agenda of Safer Communities."

The external investigation team will be led by Bill Peet, former Assistant Deputy Commissioner (Operations) in the Prairie Region with Corrections Services Canada.

There is also an internal review being conducted by the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. It is normal practice for both an internal and external review to be conducted.

"These investigations are separate and apart from the RCMP investigation and their efforts to recapture the escapees," said Hickie.

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For more information, contact:

Rossan Semchuk
Executive council
Regina
Phone: 787-0980
Email: rossan.semchuk@gov.sk.ca