Initial Critical Incident Review Finding on escape of Denecho King
Press Release
YELLOWKNIFE (August 22, 2016) – The initial findings from the Critical Incident review on the escape of Denecho King have revealed a pre-existing gap in the physical security that was exploited by the inmate to gain access to the roof of the North Slave Correctional Centre during his escape.
The area the inmate used to escape has been isolated until necessary security modifications can be completed. No inmates will have access to this area until the necessary security upgrades to the building are completed. If any other deficiencies are found as a result of this review, immediate steps will be taken to address those issues.
Quotes
“A comprehensive review of the security at the North Slave Correctional Centre is now underway. I want to assure residents of Yellowknife, this was an isolated incident. I continue to have full confidence in the Corrections staff at our facilities. I commend the RCMP, who with the support of City of Yellowknife bylaw officers, managed to peacefully apprehend this man without any harm to members of the public, the inmate or any Peace Officers.”
- Louis Sebert, Minister of Justice
Quick Facts
- On the morning of August 10, 2016 Denecho King escaped custody from the North Slave Corrections Centre.
- Once an escape occurs, the RCMP becomes the lead agency responsible to apprehend the individual. The notification to authorities was made within minutes of the escape. The public was notified within the hour by the RCMP. He was subsequently apprehended by the RCMP on August 13, 2016 in the morning.
- A Critical Incident Review examines the hours or days before the incident, the actual incident and the time after, in order to examine factors that may have lead up to the escape; along with recommendations for any improvements that must be made.
- The Department of Justice has a mandate to protect the safety of all inmates, staff members and the public. As a safety requirement, full details on security measures implemented are not publically released.
Media Contacts:
Sue Glowach
Senior Communications Advisor
Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867 -767-9256 ex. 82449
Email: sue_glowach@gov.nt.ca
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