Violence continues at Burnaby Youth Custody Centre

Fires and equipment destroyed in latest incident at Burnaby Youth Custody Centre.

Vancouver (07 Nov. 2016) — A violent incident occurred Sunday night at Burnaby Youth Custody Centre (BYCC). It is the latest in a string of incidents at the facility, and is yet another example of the escalating violence in B.C. prisons.

Last violent incident — 6-hour riot — only 3 month ago

Two youths were involved in the incident, in which the youths set fires and destroyed equipment inside one of the BYCC units. This resulted in extensive damage.

This comes only 3 months after the last major incident — a 6-hour riot —  at the facility in July. As evidenced in nearly 2 dozen media reports since March, officers at this and other facilities have reported increasing levels of inmate-on-inmate violence and inmate-on-staff assaults.

Overcrowding, understaffing, addictions and mental health issues contribute to rise in violence

Dean Purdy, Vice-President Correctional and Sheriff Services of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) says that he is not surprised at the growing level of violence occurring at the centre, especially given that the number of inmates has increased since the Victoria youth centre was shut down last year. He also said the type of inmate has changed, adding “We are seeing more young offenders with mental illness and addiction issues, and more gang affiliates than in past years.”

Prison violence in B.C.’s jails is out of control, and the provincial government is failing to take action. Help us put pressure on the Clark government and sign our petition Prison Safety Now. 

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 370,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE