Union confirms staff assault at Sask. Pen

The union representing correctional officers at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert has confirmed that a staff member was assaulted in an incident earlier this week.

Jason Bloomfield, regional president with the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers, told paNOW one male officer was taken to hospital in Prince Albert following an incident at the penitentiary Tuesday morning. Bloomfield declined to give details about what caused the incident, or in what area of the prison it took place due to security reason, but said the officer was taken to hospital as a precaution.

“We’re obviously concerned with any type of assaults that are occurring at our sites, I mean, this is a regular occurrence for a correctional officer,” Bloomfield said. “It’s always very impacting for that officer and their families, and the staff around them.”

Bloomfield said staff at the penitentiary handled the situation well and were able to resume normal operations quickly. paNOW reached out to the Correctional Service of Canada about this incident, but calls were not returned.