WHAT HAPPENS DURING A LOCKDOWN

Chad Oldfield is president of OPSEU Local 234, representing workers at both Maplehurst Correctional Complex as well as the neighbouring Vanier Centre for Women in Milton. The veteran correctional officer of 12 years walked the Star through the changes the facilities go through after a lockdown is initiated.

The Pods Each circular structure houses inmates and was designed to be able to function as if they were separate institutions from one another, Oldfield said.

When a lockdown begins, inmates are escorted back to their cells, most of which Oldfield described as eight by 10 feet. Once inside, the cells are locked.

Usually, it’s two inmates per cell. However, there are certain parts of the jail that house three inmates to a single cell, Oldfield said.

The Yard Inside each pod is a wedge-shaped area referred to as the yard. This space allows inmates to access the outside. During a lockdown, visits to the yard are suspended according to Oldfield.

“This is especially true during the summer when staff counts are lower,” he said. “It’s difficult.” Oldfield explained further that there needs to be a certain level of corrections officers present to ensure they can safely supervise inmates and respond adequately in the case of an emergency.

The Vanier Centre for Women Instead of pods, the Vanier Centre for Women facilities where female inmates are held are shaped similar to an X.

Similar to the pods at Maplehurst, a full lockdown order could apply to the entire prison across all buildings as opposed to partial lockdowns that confine inmates to cells situated within a more particular area or unit.

“Does it get stressful after a while, absolutely?” Oldfield said. “But in many respects, the staff and the inmates try to find a way to coexist and get through it together the best we can.”

Depending on staffing levels at the time, corrections officers may facilitate showers one to three cells at a time.

Administration It’s business as usual inside the building at the entrance of the jail. This workplace, where managers and other administrators work, is not impacted by a lock Oldfield said.

Kitchen In the event of a lockdown, the kitchen continues to run.

“Obviously, we have to still feed the inmates,” Oldfield said. Here, both authorized inmates and Maplehurst staff work in tandem with one another to prepare each day’s meals.