PRISON STAFFERS FEAR FOR LIVES

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 the Sun 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.

Reports obtained by the Sun reveal that home-brew, cocaine, heroin,
marijuana, knives and even explosives have been confiscated in pens.

Conservative MP Randy White, citing an example of a woman who was
stabbed in the neck and throat 23 times by an inmate during a visit to
a British Columbia prison, said turning a blind eye to the problem is
putting lives at risk.

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. Ion scanners used to check visitors aren't
nearly as sensitive as the machines used by customs officials, he
added. Often, people are permitted a "closed visit" even if there's a
positive hit.