Lockdown and Search at Warkworth Institution

Warkworth, Ontario, March 21, 2013 – On March 20, 2013, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Warkworth Institution, a medium security federal penitentiary, was placed on lockdown in order to facilitate an exceptional search of parts of the institution. The search was authorized due to suspicion of contraband in the institution.

The search is being conducted to ensure the ongoing safety and security of the institution, its staff and the inmates. The institution will return to normal routine when it is determined safe to do so.

Regularly scheduled visits to the institution may be affected. Those who have previously scheduled visits are asked to contact the institution directly for more information.

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is committed to preventing contraband from entering its institutions. Our efforts contribute towards ensuring a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates.  CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.

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For more information, media personnel may contact:

Bob Cameron
Acting Assistant Warden, Management Services
Correctional Service Canada
Warkworth Institution
(705) 924-8104