The B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union is calling a recent incident at the Burnaby Youth Custody Services Centre another example of escalating violence in B.C. prisons.
On Oct. 30 – three months after a six-hour riot at the Burnaby facility – two youths refused to lockdown for bedtime, according to the Ministry of Children and Family Development. “Extensive damage” was done to one of the units, including a fire that led to water damage.
“The incident resulted in damage to the doors, windows, walls, a hose and the shower area. Repairs are nearly complete,” read an emailed statement from the ministry. “Staff followed procedures; RCMP and fire crews responded as needed.”
The two youths involved were the only ones staying in the unit at the time, noted the ministry. No one was hurt and the ordeal was over within an hour-and-a-half, when they youths were confined to separate rooms.
Staff believe the motivating factor behind the incident was program activity privileges being taken away from one of the teens earlier that day. His privileges were revoked because he refused to comply with safety protocol and propped up his door so the other youth could have access to his room when they were meant to be confined separately, according to the ministry’s statement.
The ministry said the youths have been involved in one or more prior disturbances in recent months.
“Some of the youths who are in custody are there because they have committed violent offenses; many also suffer from behavioural challenges and mental health issues. Unfortunately, violent incidents and disruptions are not uncommon in a custody setting," the ministry said.
In a previous interview with the NOW, the ministry said the number of violent incidents has not increased, rather it has remained steady or declined over the last three-and-a-half years.
the total number of incidents of violence has not increased.
“It has remained steady – or declined – over the past three-and-a-half years,
- See more at: http://www.burnabynow.com/news/behind-the-riot-1.2410651#sthash.75qZkh6w.dpufthe total number of incidents of violence has not increased.
“It has remained steady – or declined – over the past three-and-a-half years,
- See more at: http://www.burnabynow.com/news/behind-the-riot-1.2410651#sthash.75qZkh6w.dpuf“Ministry and custody centre staff continue to work with mental health professionals to identify potential strategies for addressing the specific behaviours of youth who destroy property or cause threats to personal safety while in custody,” said ministry staff.
But Dean Purdy, spokesperson for the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union, said the Oct. 30 incident does point to increasing violence at the youth prison, caused by a “lack of consequences.”
“We will continue to see kids act out because all the kids in the correctional centre know there are no real consequences for their actions. For them, it’s like a game. They’re going to continue to cause problems, they’re going to continue to act out. They will create disturbances, and I think it’s only a matter of time before we see the next major incident,” he said. “Staff at the Burnaby youth custody centre feel that the control and proper resources for their personal safety is secondary to the inmates’ rights.”
Purdy added the violence is a result of a changing inmate demographic, with some inmates connected to gangs.
“The profile and the demographic of the inmate we have in custody now is far different even from five years ago when you had kids in there for lower-level offences. We have a more violent youth in there and we have to change with the times, and so does the Ministry of Children and Family (Development). There has to be consequences for actions, and right now, we’re not seeing that,” he said, noting he wants to see stiffer penalties in place and more resources going towards mental health programs.
