News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCKDOWN AT FRASER VALLEY INSTITUTION

Abbotsford, B.C., July 13, 2011  –At approximately 6:00pm on July 11th, 2011, Fraser Valley Institution was locked down and inmates confined to their cells or living quarters as a result of information that contraband had been introduced into the Institution.  The institution remains locked down to facilitate a search of the institution and ensure the safety of staff and inmates.

All inmate visits have been cancelled until further notice.

The institution will return to normal routine once management determines that it is safe to do so.  Ensuring the safety and security of institutions, staff, and public remains the highest priority in the operations of the federal correctional system.

As part of its Transformation Agenda, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is strengthening measures to prevent contraband from entering institutions, in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone, and promote a rehabilitative environment for inmates. CSC also works in partnership with the police to prosecute inmates and others who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.
Fraser Valley Institution is a federal multi-level women’s institution located in Abbotsford. The institution currently houses 83 inmates.

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For further information, please contact:

Chris Szafron
Assistant Warden, Management Services
Fraser Valley Institution
Correctional Service of Canada
(604) 851-6003