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Sunday, October 12, 2008
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4°C
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4°C
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75%
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Local jailhouse remains crowded |
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Written by Citizen staff
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Thursday, 24 July 2008 |
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The number of inmates housed at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre is hovering around 280, provincial corrections branch spokesperson Bruce Bannerman confirmed Thursday, about 20 more than the jail's official capacity.
However, "we have additonal areas where we can house inmates within the facility beyond what's considered the official capacity," he added.
The extra space is found in the centre's medical observation area and some inmates are in segregated sections not considered part of the 261 beds reserved for the main population, Bannerman said.
And while he couldn't speak to Prince George specifically, Bannerman said jails around the province often house extra inmates in their intake areas as well.
Work on expanding the women's unit by 20 cells is underway, he noted. Construction started in May and is expected to be finished by next June.
The current PGRCC was opened in 1996 and has 132 cells for men and 19 beds for women in both cells and dormitories. The total inmate count at the centre is averaging 261 so the 20 new cells will reduce overcrowding.
"We're continuing to see a regular gradual increase in the counts within the province which means we're always having to accommodate more," he said. "So this is where we have some projects underway right now which are nearing completion that will add another 150 beds within the province."
In the meantime, he said staffing is adjusted as required.
"This has not been an overnight event," he added. "This is a situation that has been developing and which the branch has been addressing over a number of years."
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 07 September 2008 )
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