Police investigate ‘disturbance’ at Prince Albert Correctional Centre

By Nigel Maxwell

A source close to an incident that happened on New Year’s Eve at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre says inmates smashed windows, lit fires and in general caused a lot of damage.

In a statement provided to paNOW, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety has only confirmed there was a “disturbance” in one of the units.

“Corrections staff responded to the disturbance and it was brought to an end at approximately 10 p.m.,” the statement said.

The ministry has referred the incident to the police and will be conducting its own investigation as well.

“As this incident relates to the safety and security of a provincial correctional facility, the ministry will not be providing any additional details,” the ministry said.

The source also told paNOW that the unit, which houses gang members, has been cleared out. There’s been no information whether anyone was hurt, but Parkland Ambulance confirmed it was not called to attend.

Staff at the men’s jail are members of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU). When contacted for comment, the union declined, citing the fact the matter is under investigation.

The incident occurred almost two years after a similar event. The incident on Jan. 4, 2021, required the assistance of both the Prince Albert Police Service and the Prince Albert Fire Department, and resulted in more than $500,000 in damages.

In addition to breaching the staff office in the gang range during that incident, inmates broke the windows in the cells to the outside as well, and lit fires which rose in the ventilation system.

While no one was transported to hospital by ambulance, paNOW was informed at least one staff member was injured after the glass shattered in her face. Five inmates were later charged.

One of the men, Kenny Morin, received a 45-day sentence for his role. The court heard Morin tossed a mop handle through a glass window, narrowly missing the officer.