On June 20, 2018 at approximately 2230 hours, RCMP were called to assist GN Corrections Staff at the Baffin Correctional Center when twenty-six inmates gathered to form a riot inside.
RCMP responded immediately with twenty two members positioned around the perimeter of the facility to prevent an escape attempt. For several hours, RCMP, Sherriff's Department and GN Corrections Staff contained the riot situation until such time as all twenty six inmates were extracted one by one.
Significant damage was caused inside the facility. Five police vehicles were damaged as inmates hurled metal and other projectiles through an open window on the south side of the facility. Despite the volatility, no RCMP or Corrections Staff were hurt and all inmates were extracted from the facility without injury. The Iqaluit Fire Department, Ambulance and Municipal Enforcement were also on scene as a precautionary measure.
RCMP are praising the efforts of its members and GN Corrections Staff for the effectiveness in which the situation was handled – both professionally and tactically.
"This was a coordinated effort that involved an all-hands on deck response. The extraction went extremely well and the most important fact was that nobody was hurt. This could have ended much differently," said Insp. Mark Crowther.
"An incident occurred at Baffin Correctional Centre (BCC) overnight on June 20, 2018, as several inmates barricaded a section of the facility resulting in significant damage to the Charlie Unit. The incident ended without injuries to inmates or staff through the joint effort of Corrections Division and the RCMP.
The fire department was also on site during the incident as a precaution, but did not need to enter the facility.
Significant repairs will be required to BCC's Charlie Unit. In the meantime, the Department of Justice is looking at options to transfer and house inmates in correctional facilities outside the territory until these repairs can be completed.
I am relieved that the incident was resolved without injuries through the dedication and coordination of our corrections staff, RCMP and other emergency response personnel. As Minister of Justice, I would like to reassure the residents of Iqaluit that there is no threat to public safety because of this incident. The Department of Justice and Corrections Division are working diligently to repair the damage and ensure the facility is safe and secure for correctional staff and inmates.
The Department of Justice also continues to work on the Qikiqtani Correctional Healing Centre, which will replace the current facility. The new infrastructure will address on-going security related issues, as well as provide additional rehabilitative programming," said Justice Minister Hon. Jeannie Ehaloak.