PRISON BOSSES LAX ON CONTRABAND: CRITICS

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. "When you start tearing ranges apart
and searching, that gets them upset. You almost need permission to go into
the cells nowadays."

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

Most drugs and weapons are smuggled in by wives and girlfriends, but
convicts also devise other "ingenious" methods, he said. Often staff aren't
adequately trained and the machines aren't sensitive enough to detect small
quantities of drugs.

Reports obtained by Sun Media reveal that home-brew, cocaine, heroin,
marijuana, knives and even explosives have been confiscated at prisons. CSC
spokesperson 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 the rising volume of dangerous items
results from a slack approach by CSC management. "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."

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, White 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.