Allegations of retribution against inmate who spoke out against prison conditions

This is the final part of a three-part CityNews exclusive series into conditions at Brandon Correctional Centre

An inmate at the Brandon Correctional Centre alleges he was the victim of excessive force by correctional officers at the provincial jail after he and two others spoke up about conditions inside the facility.

But leaders of the union that represent correctional officers say evidence of the claim has not been brought forward.

In a phone call to CityNews, inmate Jamie Grieves says he wants video of the alleged incident to be released publicly.

“I need you to get the (expletive) video of today, what happened here,” said Grieves.

“Tell them what’s going on.”

Grieves was one of three inmates inside the facility interviewed by CityNews. The alleged incident happened less than 24 hours after one of the previous stories aired.

• Part 1: Inmates speak out on inhumane conditions inside Brandon Correctional Centre
• Part 2: Correctional officers in Brandon echo inmates’ cries of poor conditions

While it’s unclear what triggered the use of force, Grieves claims it was because he refused to move when correctional officers tried to separate the three men who spoke out.

Witnesses inside claim Grieves was struck and assaulted numerous times, and Grieves feels the incident was retaliation for voicing his concerns.

One witness heard a correctional officer say “cry to a reporter” during the alleged altercation.

An interview request with the province was denied but a statement was provided.

“Any use of force is reviewed internally. If an inmate feels they have been assaulted, they have the ability to report it to the police directly or through their lawyer.”

NDP House Leader Nahanni Fontaine says she’s heard concerns from inmates and their families in institutions across the province. She says a lack of programming and supports have created a crisis scenario.

“I’ve been getting calls where they’re saying, still we’re not allowed to do anything, there’s no programs, we’re not allowed to do anything,” said Fontaine.

“As this is ongoing, the level of tension that is growing and growing and growing, to the point that, are we risking a scenario in which these are powder kegs just waiting to explode.”

In a statement, the union that represents correctional officers acknowledged jails can be a dangerous place to work.

“Correctional officers are trained to deal with violent and potentially violent situations in a way that best protects the health and safety of both officers and inmates.”

Regarding this particular allegation, the union said: “No evidence has been presented to support the serious allegation that has been made by this inmate. It is important that all available evidence be reviewed by Manitoba Justice to find out what actually happened. Our officers strongly believe their interactions with this inmate were appropriate and consistent with the training and direction provided by their employer.”

Inmate advocates say a physical assault is never the answer. Ross Robinson of the John Howard Society says when his staff member spoke with Grieves, it appeared he had sustained “significant physical damage” but had been cleared by medical.

“I can’t say who started it, but it certainly looks like Mr. Grieves got the worst of it,” said Robinson.

“Force is never the right answer.”

Robinson says an internal use of force review will determine exactly what happened, but says heightened tension at the jails can result in more instances of violence and more resources would benefit everyone.

“If we change it to an actual correctional facility rather than focusing on the punitive aspects of the incarceration, but giving them the programs, giving them the tools to better deal with their anger, better deal with other aspects and get them so they have better hope for when they get out so they won’t go back in there – that’s one of the key things and that does take money, certainly – but I think it’s an investment in our province’s future,” said Robinson.