The regional head of the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO) confirmed the Jan. 4 assaults at Kent and Matsqui institutions were coordinated.
Pacific region UCCO president John Randle told The Observer that while it was determined the attacks between the institutions were coordinated, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) and RCMP investigators have not publicly stated whether or not the issue is gang-related.
Three inmates from Kent Institution were hospitalized following the Jan. 4 incidents. B.C. Emergency Health Services dispatched five ambulances to the scene and two advanced care paramedic responder units. All three inmates were in critical condition. Ten minutes later, a call came in from Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford for a similar incident in which two inmates were hospitalized. All patients were taken to Abbotsford Regional Hospital, which was subsequently locked down following the incidents. There were no reported deaths.
RELATED: Multiple inmates hospitalized in altercation at Kent Institution
RELATED: B.C. prison workers union exasperated over drug trafficking, overdoses
“The fact they’re able to communicate right under our noses is not good,” Randle said. “That’s concerning for (our safety), number one. Number two, does that mean they’re able to reach out into the community and still conduct their community business? That’s our big concern.”
Randle, who spent 12 of his 14 years as a correctional officer at Kent Institution, said large incidents like the Jan. 4 assaults usually stem from a power struggle to control drug and contraband trafficking. Much of the current problem stems from delivery of contraband and illicit substances via drones.
While the CSC has a number of measures in place to prevent contraband and drug smuggling – including detector dogs and ion scanners – Randle said more can be done, especially to combat drone trafficking.
“There are drone detection systems out there, and they’re readily available,” he said. “We have attended demonstrations from companies, but unfortunately, the (federal) government is caught behind all this red tape.”
Correctional Service Canada has released no further information on the Jan. 4 incidents in Matsqui and Kent Institutions.