MINISTER ORDERS PROVINCE-WIDE SEARCH OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES

Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Darryl Hickie today ordered a comprehensive search of all secure provincial corrections facilities. These facilities will be thoroughly searched for weapons, drugs and any other illegal materials as well as for structural problems that could facilitate future escapes.

"These searches are being undertaken to ensure the safety of the public and the safety of all corrections workers," Hickie said. "Facility directors have been instructed to call in all staff required to complete this task as quickly as possible."

Earlier today, Saskatchewan Government Employees' Union President Bob Bymoen raised concerns about the safety of corrections facilities and called for more regular and thorough searches of those facilities. Hickie spoke with Bymoen this afternoon by phone and agreed to meet with him next week.

Additional security measures and searches were implemented immediately following the escape at the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre.

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For more information, contact:

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