Smooth transition for female inmates to HMP; union questions long-term solution

The transition for some female inmates from an all-women's prison to Her Majesty's Penitentiary went smoothly, according to prison and union officials.

Six women are being housed in a portion of HMP — Newfoundland and Labrador largest all-male prison in St. John's — that's separated from the men.

The move was announced in early March, after the Women's Correctional Centre in Clarenville began experiencing a historically-high number of female prisoners. 

"Our members there were quite willing and able to help out with the short-term solution but long-term we would have grave concerns about their ability to work extra hours and the impact on the staff," said Jerry Earle, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees.

"What we're hearing from staff is that there's been a good open line of communication, no significant issues and we continue to monitor now day to day to make sure it is working as proposed."

Asked about the transition, a spokesperson from the Department of Justice and Public Safety said the unit is well below the 24-inmate capacity.

"By all accounts, the transition went smoothly and the inmates are pleased with the accommodations," the spokesperson said.

Earle agrees, adding his members haven't flagged any issues with the women's temporary stay at the aging prison.

Still he questions how long the accommodations can last given the department is hoping a long-term solution isn't needed and the number of female inmates decreases.

"This is not something we can see being sustained for a long period of time because as you approach now spring, summer, obviously staff expect to be able to take leave, which would certainly impact the availability of staff in the unit."

So far, no additional correctional officers have had to be added to accommodate the women's unit.