Assaults on staff and inmate violence at the North Fraser Pre-trial Centre (NFPC) continued over the weekend.

On Friday an inmate became violent in the segregation unit and only calmed down when it became clear staff from the Emergency Response Team (ERT) were prepared to move in.

On Sunday morning a correctional officer was assaulted by an inmate. The officer was sucker punched in the head and is suffering from concussion-like symptoms and contusion on his forehead.

On Friday night at the NFPC there was an in-custody death of an inmate. Thanks to the alertness of staff who noticed his condition, an ambulance was called and the inmate was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. There is currently an investigation underway.

There are continuing safety challenges at North Fraser, given the facility was built for a capacity of 300 inmates and usually averages between 600 and 650. Double-bunking is standard and even solitary confinement is double-bunked.

There were reports over the weekend that there was some triple-bunking. The union is gathering this information.

The union is also in discussions with Worksafe B.C. to see what steps can be taken to ensure the safety of staff at the facility.

Following a meeting with union representatives in December, the Solicitor General, Rich Coleman offered to review inmate-to-staff ratios and to pay a personal visit to North Fraser to see first-hand what the problems are. The union is encouraged the minister is prepared to do this and looks forward to his response and visit.