Rimouski Prison has lost a set of keys to access cells, sparking outrage among prison officials who now fear for their safety.
A set of keys apparently disappeared on August 31, according to prison sources who informed our Bureau of Investigation. The situation is all the more worrying since one of the keys would in particular allow access to cells where prisoners in crisis situations, aggressive or suicidal prisoners or those in custody are housed.
“That doesn’t make sense,” replies one of our sources, who wishes to remain anonymous because he is not authorized to speak to the media.
No search
Under such circumstances, security measures in place would have ensured rapid searches of inmates, cells, exercise areas and any places frequented by inmates, said Philippe Bensimon, a veteran criminologist who worked at Correctional Service Canada for some twenty years.
“The disappearance of a key is a serious incident,” says Mr. Bensimon without hesitation. “We have to control all movements, including those of staff. Nobody enters the prison and nobody leaves it,” emphasizes the expert.
Screenshot by Philippe Bensimon
One of the goals of this comprehensive search is to ensure the physical integrity of staff and detainees. After that, an incident of this type “automatically” leads to an internal investigation, he continues.
However, none of this would have happened.
“It is very worrying that there was no comprehensive search after the disappearance,” said Mathieu Lavoie, president of the Union of Peace Officers in the Correctional Service (SAPSCQ).
Mathieu Lavoie, President of SAPSCQ. Photo provided by SAPSQ-CSN
“Our safety is not important to management,” adds another of our sources.
The ministry wants to calm things down
When questioned by our investigation bureau, the Ministry of Public Security admits that the keychain is still lost. However, the prison authorities are reassuring.
“ [Les clefs] Do not allow access to the outside of the facility or to strategic locations in any way,” said public relations specialist Louise Quintin, who does not believe that these keys are in the possession of any of the detainees. However, she could not confirm this.
The ministry adds that certain searches and excavations were carried out, without specifying their nature. Further excavations are also planned, says the spokesman, but he did not provide any further details on the extent or timing of the implementation.
The president of the SAPSCQ highlights that several prison directors are increasingly reluctant to carry out comprehensive searches for fear of violating prisoners’ rights.
Mathieu Lavoie also warns that if the keychain remains untraceable, the ministry could be forced to replace all affected locks, which could take several months.
With Felix Seguin
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