A survey of 205 B.C. correctional officers revealed disturbing trends about life in provincial prisons.
The study asked the respondents, 19 per cent of which worked at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, about their experiences in the past year:
Physically assaulted by an inmate:
27 per cent.
Hit by blood, feces, urine, vomit or spit:
39 per cent.
Observed the murder or suicide of an
inmate: 17 per cent.
Respond to serious injury to an inmate:
82 per cent.
Discovered a weapon in possession of an inmate: 74 per cent.
Responded to a Code Yellow (staff in need of help): 96 per cent.
Threatened by an inmate: 67 per cent.
Witness drug overdose by inmate:
50 per cent.
Responded to five or more fights between inmates: 66 per cent.
According to the B.C. Solicitor General's office, the number of assaults on corrections officers at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre:
2011 (year to date): 6
2010: 4
2009: 5
2008: 9
2007: 12
According to WorkSafeBC statistics for 2000 to 2009, corrections officers have the highest rates of violence-related workers' compensation claims.
Corrections officers: 33 per cent
Municipal police officers: 32 per cent
All protective services: 19.6 per cent
General population: 1.96 per cent
-- Williams, Citizen staff
