Lockdown at Kingston Penitentiary Following an Incident

Kingston, Ontario, February 1, 2012 – At approximately 6:10 p.m., on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, Kingston Penitentiary, a maximum security federal penitentiary, was placed on lockdown as a result of an incident involving several inmates being assaulted in the gymnasium. Staff intervened immediately, and in order to gain control of the situation verbal warnings were issued, chemical agents were deployed and warning shots were fired. The incident was brought under control and there were no injuries to staff.

Four inmates were transported to outside hospital for assessment and treatment of injuries sustained in the incident and later returned to the institution. Three other inmates were treated at the institution.

The Ontario Provincial Police Penitentiary Squad and the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) are investigating the incident.

Regularly scheduled visits to the institution are suspended. Those who have previously scheduled visits are asked to contact the institution directly.

In order to improve its practices to prevent and reduce future incidents, CSC will continue to work in an effort to review the circumstances surrounding the incident and take action where necessary.

-30-

For more information, media personnel may contact:

Michele Vermette
Assistant Warden, Management Services
Correctional Service Canada
Kingston Penitentiary
613-536-6880