STEP UP JAIL SAFETY, FEDS URGED

OTTAWA -- Prison authorities must step up efforts to stem the flow of
booze, drugs and weapons inside federal pens to protect staff,
visitors and the public at large, critics charge. Sources tell Sun
Media that while "official policy" purports to aggressively track
dangerous items, staff are also warned not to "upset the apple cart"
when cracking down on contraband.

"They want you to do your job, but on the other hand they don't want
you to stir the pot," said one veteran guard.

The source knows of several correctional officers in fear for their
lives after being pricked with dirty needles by inmates.

Most guards work without adequate protection from potential attacks by
inmates armed with knives or guns, he said.

Most drugs and weapons are smuggled in by wives and girlfriends, but
convicts also devise other "ingenious" methods, he said.

Reports obtained by Sun Media reveal that home brew, cocaine, heroin,
marijuana, knives and even explosives have been confiscated at
Canadian prisons.

Correctional Service of Canada spokesman Michele Pilon-Santilli
suggested the growing volume of seized goods reflects a more
aggressive approach to tracking down contraband rather than a heavier
flow.

But Conservative MP Randy White insists it's a slack approach by CSC
management.

"Management is either not interested in fixing the problem or has
given up trying," he said.

"They need to make this more of a priority, to see it in the context
of protecting staff and visitors instead of being a problem of trying
to police it."

Another correctional source said weapons, ammunition and drugs are
often smuggled in with children, who aren't subject to the same search
procedures as adults.

"In essence, CSC just lets them go and, because of their neglect and
not wanting to get involved, allows for drug dealers and mules to
continue to break the law," he said.