‘Shanks’ tattoos, death notes just some of items seized from Manitoba’s largest jail

Every single year, dozens of contraband items are seized from provincial correctional institutions, and when it comes to Manitoba’s largest, Headingley Correctional the items that are taken off inmates range widely, from threatening notes to contraband earplugs.

The union that represents Manitoba correctional officers says the fact so many pieces of contraband continue to end up inside is a problem putting everyone at risk. 

“The contraband that’s coming in, the people sending it in are really creative and the inmates inside they are really intuitive, they make things from things that you could not imagine could make a weapon, and the current vacancy rates and lack of staff compromise both inmate and officer safety,” said Cris Quon, first vice president with the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union, who alongside supports MGEU staff working inside, spent 10 years as a correctional officer.

“This is not an isolated issue just to Headingley.” 

Through Freedom of Information legislation, CityNews obtained a list of items seized by officers working inside the province’s largest jail, rated to house 549 adult male inmates, and the list was lengthy. 

Amongst the dozens of items, were things like a threatening note to an inmate from 2020, a brass knuckle and a note “do someone in” seized in 2021, a plexiglass shank with a cloth handle in 2022, and a seven-inch shank seized just last year, jeopardizing overall safety, which she says is a top priority for the union. 

“It’s super important, we want both the inmate population and our officers to be able to go in and live in those,” said Quon.

Stressing the problem is becoming insurmountable, Quon says with methods becoming more sophisticated, she says with increased complexity comes an increased need for resources. 

“The more staffing, the better the security measures that are in place and the safer the institutions are.” 

Other items seized included numerous instances of tattoo equipment, homebrew, an audio bible, a pair of pants with hidden pockets, prohibited electronics, and letters to people inmates are restricted from speaking with. 

While an interview request was not accommodated, the government explained the interception of contraband items – which may seem commonplace outside of a correctional environment – is a high priority for staff.

A provincial spokesperson saying in a statement, “Manitoba Corrections takes the safety of inmates, correctional officers, and other staff safe in the complex environment of a correctional facility. As a result, Manitoba Justice will continue to monitor contraband interception information in accordance with established protocols and review best practices for new techniques and tools that can be implemented in the centres.”

Hopeful the new government will address this issue, and others within the provincial correctional system, Quon and the MGEU say the issue is one affecting institutions province-wide.

Stressed to those working to get these items inside, the practice is more than problematic. 

“It is a really negative thing to do. Not only are you putting the inmates around the individual that you are sending this item to at risk, but you’re putting all of the other staff at risk.”