Overcrowding in B.C.'s jails was the key issue discussed at a November 17 meeting between the BCGEU and Kash Heed, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Representing the union was President Darryl Walker, Component 1 Chair Dean Purdy and Staff Representative Mike Eso.
"There was a clear recognition by the minister there is overcrowding in provincial jails," said Walker. "The minister said they were monitoring the situation on a daily basis and acknowledged they are running between 180 and 200 percent over capacity."
"Heed said that while they have limited options in the short term, he was interested in engaging the BCGEU on any future options," said Walker. "Heed also acknowledged he was looking to the federal government to find ways to solve this problem."
Purdy expressed concern over gang violence in the jails. "Gang violence is on the rise in the community and is spilling over to our correctional centres making it more difficult for our officers to do their jobs. There have been 58 staff assaults since 2002 at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre and this could increase," Purdy said. "If federal legislation on drugs passes, this will also increase the prison population."
"We also discussed with the minister the clear need for another jail, in particular one planned for the Okanagan. We will look for opportunities to advance that idea," said Purdy. "We supported the new facility in Surrey and hope the minister will be able to proceed with plans for the jail in the Okanagan. The minister informed us the new jails would be built with consultation with staff over safety issues."
Purdy also expressed concern to the minister about how living unit officers should have been given the opportunity to receive the H1N1 vaccination at an earlier date. The minister shared the concern that front-line workers should get the vaccination early.
Purdy raised concerns over the large number of inmates in the "direct supervision model," saying this impacts the ability to supervise the inmates properly. He pointed out to the minister that the North Fraser Pre-Trial Centre currently has staff working alone with up to 60 inmates.
"I was pleased with the meeting," said Walker. "The minister commented on the professionalism of our members and we appreciate that support."
