(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Corrections

Corrections Canada responds to inmate escapes at Sask. Pen

Nov 17, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Over the weekend a man serving a three-year sentence for aggravated assault was able to walk away from the minimum security unit at Saskatchewan Penitentiary, only to be located and put back into custody roughly four-and-a-half hours later.

The incident Saturday night marks only one of four related incidents since 2019 that have occurred at the facility, according to information provided to paNOW by Corrections Canada (CSC). According to a statement, CSC takes escapes very seriously and public safety remains the paramount consideration.

“In the event that an inmate escapes, CSC thoroughly examines the circumstances of the incident in partnership with local police and actively works to locate the inmate as quickly as possible,” the CSC said.

Duran Laplante’s short period of freedom Saturday night and into Sunday morning has been the only incident in 2021.

Noah Lemaigre-Elliot and Jesse Favel escaped from the minimum security unit on Oct. 4, 2019. They were both recaptured two days later. James Katsiris also escaped on Nov. 24, 2019. He was recaptured Dec. 11, 2019.

Raiders AGM

Raiders impact on Prince Albert local economy continues to go up: AGM report

12h ago

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

Dec 11, 2024

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

Dec 11, 2024

When asked what measures are being taken to address inmate escapes, the CSC explained they have increased capacity to contribute to public safety by strengthening partnerships with law enforcement agencies. This includes the exchange of critical information, which ultimately aids in recapturing these inmates.

“CSC regularly assesses all inmates to ensure that they are placed at the appropriate security level and only those who are assessed as having a low risk to public safety can be placed in a minimum-security institution,” the statement said.

The CSC also explained that in the spring of 2020 they revised their policies to strengthen the assessment process and decision-making involving minimum-security inmates.

“When an offender is recaptured, a new risk assessment is carried out to ensure they are placed in an institution with the appropriate security level.”

–

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell