The situation inside correctional facilities (i.e. jails) across the province “has gotten out of control.” The frequency of lockdowns are soaring. “It’s not a safe environment for anybody, the offenders or the staff.” During a lockdown the inmates are confined to their cell. They are prevented from seeing legal counsel and family, attending court, accessing medication, attending rehab and addiction programs and even food and showering. Rehabilitative programming such as anger management courses, addiction treatments and Bible studies are shut down during lockdowns. Some lockdowns can last a day or several days. Eventually they constitute a form of cruel and unusual punishment.
Prisoners, battling in court, say they’re deprived of hygiene, treatment, and outside contacts even before looming strike by corrections officers.
Source: ‘Astounding’ number of lockdowns at Maplehurst Correctional Complex | Toronto Star