'ZERO TOLERANCE' IN PRISONS

Tasers To Help Enforce New Rule

Provisions to the Corrections amendment act will see Tasers used as one way to
stun prisoners from disobedience under new zero tolerance rules in provincial
jails.

The 25-amp Taser stun guns will make their way to provincial jails, including
the Fort Corrections Centre as one recipient of the device. "New legislation
mandates zero tolerance, and Taser use will assist in carrying out that
policy," said David Bray, Solicitor General spokesperson. "There are rules for
offenders to follow, and the provisions to the (Corrections Amendment Act) will
ensure they follow them."

Bray said the cost to train corrections staff and supply the Tasers is around
$50,000.

Training staff to use the technology is expected to take two weeks, while the
use of the devices will be fully operational by later this fall, said Bray.

Tougher rules to the Corrections Act include zero tolerance for drug use and
possession by prisoners, where random drug testing will assist in the
enforcement of the provision, along with current drug testing practice in
jails.

Another addition to the act is zero tolerance for gang related activity and
assaultive or threatening behavior towards correctional staff. The new
provisions, which Bray said were not mentioned in old legislation, are in
effect as of Sept. 30.

In situations where corrections staff are threatened, the Tasers will be used
to temporarily immobilize the prisoner, he said.

"The Tasers have proven to be effective in other jurisdictions, so we're quite
confident they'll be effective here," said Bray.

British Columbia, and Nova Scotia are the only other provinces with facilities
using the Taser technology.

"We hope that they will be used infrequently, but correctional centres must
ensure the safety of both staff and offenders," said Heather Forsyth, Solicitor
General. "Very few offenders in custody cause problems, but those who do will
be fully accountable for their actions." Fort Corrections Guard, and City Coun.
Don Westman said the use of Taser technology is "past due."

"It's a real plus for our staff," said Westman. "It definitely would have been
useful in problems with violent incidents between staff and inmates in the
past."

Under new legislation introduced last September, if a prisoner tests positive
for drug use, or they act in a threatening behavior towards a guard, then the
loss of remission is now a required consideration for disciplinary boards to
contemplate. Remission is the early release of an inmate from the facility.

Internal disciplinary hearings will also be held regardless of whether criminal
charges are laid.

Westman said the zero tolerance policy will hopefully protect the guards from
inmates who say they are treated unfairly, and constantly seek "legal
loopholes" to press charges against guards.