Pubdate: Thu, 09 Feb 2006
Source: Whitehorse Star (CN YK)
Copyright: 2006 Whitehorse Star
Contact:  http://www.whitehorsestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1493
Author: Matthew Grant

JAIL'S ILLEGAL DRUGS ARE THREAT TO GUARDS: UNION

The use of illegal drugs in the Whitehorse Correctional Centre (WCC) 
poses a threat to the health and safety of the corrections officers 
working there.

That's the opinion of Laurie Butterworth, the president of the Yukon 
Employees Union. He says he is encouraging union members to file 
complaints with the Yukon Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board.

"(Inmates smoking drugs) is something that has come to light to me 
since taking office (in 2005). People took me aside and said, 'We are 
having a problem with this,' " Butterworth said in an interview Wednesday.

He said information he has received from guards inside the jail is 
that drug use is occurring with frequent regularity. He is worried 
about the long-term health effects on the guards enforcing order in 
the 39-year-old jail.

"One person said they encounter the problem daily and another said it 
is every couple of days."

He said the problem is not exclusive to marijuana and that other 
drugs such as cocaine were also known to be a problem.

Earlier this week, Butterworth's union posted a health alert on its 
website regarding drug use at the WCC.

The health alert states:

"We strongly recommend that you document all cases of workplace 
exposure to drug smoke. If the employer is not taking action to 
eliminate the problem, we suggest you file a grievance to bring the 
matter forward for resolution."

Butterworth said he has also received information about visitors 
bringing drugs into the Range Road facility.

According to the territorial Department of Justice, visitors to the 
WCC may or may not be searched when entering the facility, but that 
anyone found with drugs will be "dealt with.

"Visitors may be asked to submit to a search as per the WCC policy 
and procedures. Failure to submit to a search will result in the 
visit being terminated.

"Any visitor or inmate who is found in possession of drugs or 
dangerous contraband as a result of a visit shall be dealt with 
accordingly, and the visitor shall be barred from the WCC for a 
period of time determined by the superintendent."

Justice officials could not be reached Wednesday and this morning.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman