The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:
The safety and wellbeing of inmates and correctional staff in the province’s correctional facilities is a top priority. That is why I have commissioned an independent external review of the circumstances surrounding the death of three inmates at Newfoundland and Labrador correctional centres which occurred between August 31, 2017 and May 26, 2018.
The Department of Justice and Public Safety has retained the services of retired Superintendent Marlene Jesso to conduct this review. Ms. Jesso has more than 34 years of progressive investigative experience including policy reviews. She served with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and last year she retired as the Officer in Charge of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
The review will examine staff response to the situations along with the appropriateness of related policies and procedures. Where appropriate and necessary, Ms. Jesso shall provide recommendations to improve the service delivery of correctional services in the province.
The review is independent of both the Department of Justice and Public Safety and the Attorney General’s office. The department will cooperate fully with the investigation to ensure Ms. Jesso has all necessary information.
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Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca