News Releases

Prairies Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON, AB, February 7, 2004 - On Saturday, February 7^th, a number of inmates participated in a disturbance at Edmonton Institution.

At approximately 4:00 PM this evening, a correctional officer was assaulted while working in one of the Institution's units. Shortly afterwards, a group of inmates within the same living unit refused to return to their cells. The inmates obscured observation windows and used furnishings to batter doors, equipment covers, and a control post. Up to 19 inmates participated in this disturbance.

Staff responded to the assault and disturbance by securing the unit. Negotiations were ultimately successful and inmates returned to their cells without further incident.

The correctional officer who was assaulted has been taken to hospital for treatment. Initial reports indicate his injuries are not life threatening.

Edmonton Institution is on lock-down status. The Correctional Service of Canada will conduct an investigation.

Edmonton Institution is a maximum security federal penitentiary which currently houses 232 inmates. This is the first serious incident at Edmonton Institution in 2004.

- 30 -

For more information, media representatives may contact:

Gary Sears
Media Relations
(780) 472-4905