NLIS 1
May 10, 2005
(Justice)
Department releases report into
death of August Zarpa
The Department of Justice has released the report
of the judicial inquiry into the death of August Zarpa at the Labrador
Correctional Center on June 13, 2003.
The inquiry, conducted by Provincial Court Judge Harold Porter, reviewed the
causes respecting and circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Zarpa. The
final report summarizes evidence, recognizes recommendations made following an
internal investigation into the death, sets out cause and manner of death, and
concluded that appropriate recommendations have already been instituted by the
correctional authorities.
Judge Porter concluded that Mr. Zarpa�s suicide was an "impulsive decision, made
without any prior indication to his family, fellow inmates, or the corrections
staff."
Justice Minister and Attorney General Tom Marshall noted that Judge Porter
recognized in the inquiry report the changes the department has implemented as a
result of the sudden death. "An internal review following the death identified a
number of recommendations to decrease the likelihood of another tragedy from
occurring, all of which have been implemented," stated Minister Marshall. "We
will continue to make every effort to ensure that our employees have the proper
training, inmates have access to health services, and that provisions are made
to ensure safe and secure correctional facilities."
In his report, Judge Porter stated "� it would appear that the authorities have
already addressed the concerns evident during the internal review."
The changes adopted included a replacement of cell ventilation grates with a
secure screened version, adoption of the internationally recognized Living Works
suicide risk assessment program, subsequent re-training of all correctional
staff, changes to internal inmate disciplinary processes, and more frequent
provision of psychiatric services for inmates.
Media contact: Heather MacLean, Justice
(709)729-6985, 690-2498
2005 05 10
9:05 a.m. |
