Department takes firm action into Richard Ryan escape

Justice Minister and Attorney General Kelvin Parsons announced today that based on evidence contained in an internal investigation report, into the escape from lawful custody of convicted sex offender Richard Ryan, significant disciplinary action will be taken against management personnel and correctional officers involved.

"The investigator Mr. Ed Ring, conducted a thorough review of the incident and concluded that policies and procedures as they relate to the escorting of high, moderate and low security risk inmates were not followed on the day Mr. Ryan escaped," said the minister. "He also determined

that similar breaches in policy also occurred on many of Mr. Ryan�s previous escorts." From June 10, 2000, to August 3, 2000, a period of 55 days, he was granted nine compassionate visits.

To ensure that policies and procedures already in place, not only at Her Majesty�s Penitentiary, but at the province�s eight correctional facilities, are strictly adhered to, Minister Parsons has announced the appointment of John Scoville, as the new superintendent of prisons. "I am quite confident that he will provide long-term and effective management stability to the institutional environment."

 A native of Gander, Mr. Scoville graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1989, with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Criminology. In 1990 he became an adult probation officer with the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Justice in Springdale. In 1994, Mr. Scoville became the department�s electronic monitoring co-ordinator. Two years later, he was named acting adult probation officer supervisor. He is currently carrying out management responsibilities at the province�s Youth Remand Centre in St. John�s.

In addition, Ed Ring has been appointed to a newly-created auditor�s position, to ensure that the province�s correctional facilities are in compliance with the policies and procedures regarding security. This position will detect and remedy any deviations from policy at an early stage, so that appropriate corrective action can be taken immediately.

Mr. Ring has been conducting investigations in various capacities for the past 29 years, including investigations for the Department of National Defence, Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Justice and this province�s Public Service Commission. He delivers administrative investigations training to officials from all government departments, and was at one time a provincial law enforcement manager.

He is a retired senior officer from the Canadian Armed Forces, and is currently a senior member of the Reserve Force as Assistant Chief of Staff, Land Force Atlantic Area. He serves on the National Counter Terrorism Committee, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Working Group on Crime Prevention and Safe Communities, and is a member of the Atlantic and Regional Crime Prevention Co-ordination Committee.

Mr. Ring�s report into the escape of Richard Ryan will not be released for three reasons:

1. It contains information on security policies and procedures at HMP;

2. It contains information which may have a bearing on the ongoing police investigation; and

3. It deals with matters that may come before an arbitration board in the course of disciplinary proceedings.

Minister Parsons did however disclose the findings of the report.

Mr. Ryan was on remand at Her Majesty�s Penitentiary, meaning he was being detained in custody pending sentencing by the Courts. Such inmates are escorted from the institution for such things as court appearances, medical attention, and sometimes for compassionate visits with a dying relative, or to attend a funeral. In Ryan�s case, it was to visit his sick mother.

Policy dictates that such inmates be restrained in handcuffs or body chains, and be accompanied by two correctional officers. Mr. Ryan was not restrained, and was escorted by only one officer.

"This was the decision of the management officer in charge, and not related to a lack of resources, as recently alleged," said the minister. "Two correctional officers who were at work on the morning of August 3, were given the afternoon off, because the officer in charge decided he could spare them. Additionally, handcuffs were available, but not used.

"The public is justified in expecting and demanding proper security from its corrections facilities. I am determined to ensure that public safety is paramount in the minds of all employees in our correctional facilities. I would also like to make it clear that any lapses will not be tolerated."

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-6564.

2000 08 23      4:45 p.m.