Lockdown and Search at Ferndale Institution

Mission, British Columbia, June 8, 2012 – At approximately 19:45 on June 07, 2012, Ferndale Institution, a minimum-security federal penitentiary, was placed on lockdown in order to facilitate an exceptional search. The search is a result of the seizure of unauthorized items and 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 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.

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

CSC is committed to preventing unauthorized items and 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.

-30-

For more information, media personnel may contact:

Tanis Kinney
Assistant Warden Management Services
Correctional Service Canada
Ferndale Institution
604-820-5720