Emergency response after inmates allegedly assault guard at Manitoba jail
By The Canadian Press
LAC DU BONNET, Man. – Manitoba Justice says a correctional officer was allegedly assaulted by two inmates earlier this week at the Milner Ridge Correctional Centre, northeast of Winnipeg.
The department says the officer was treated at hospital and released following the Monday night violence at the men’s jail.
It says the inmates barricaded themselves in a utility room for several hours, forcing negotiation and emergency response teams to respond before the situation was brought under control early Tuesday morning.
The department also says operations at Milner Ridge have returned to normal.
Details on the correctional officer’s injuries and what led to the alleged assault have not been released.
There is also no immediate word on what additional charges the inmates could face.
The Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union, which represents Milner Ridge guards, says it’s disturbed by what appears to be an upward trend in reports of jail violence.
“There is no question that the (reported) officer attack was both serious and extremely frightening,” union president Michelle Gawronsky said in an email to the Winnipeg Free Press. “We’re thankful for the quick action of the officers involved who got their colleague to safety and those that diffused the volatile situation.”
Gawronsky also said correctional officers are finding that inmates can often be more violent and unpredictable because of drug addiction and mental health issues.
She said the Manitoba government should fund more rehabilitative programs and supports.
