Lockdown and Search at Kingston Penitentiary

Kingston, Ontario, March 1, 2012 – At approximately 9:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 1, 2012, Kingston Penitentiary, a maximum security federal penitentiary, was placed on lockdown in order to facilitate an exceptional search of the institution. The search is a result of the seizure of unauthorized items from inmates in the institution.

The search is being conducted to ensure the ongoing safety and security of the institution, its staff and the inmates. The safety and security of our institutions is the primary consideration of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). The institution will re-open as soon as searching is complete and it is determined safe to do so.

Visits will be suspended until the search has been completed.

-30-

For more information, media personnel may contact:

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