Theresa Oswald Minister of Health Responds

The Honourable Andrew Swan, Minister of Justice, and Attorney General, has referred to me for response your email requesting information on the security plans related to Mr. Vince Li’s escorted walks at Selkirk Mental Health Centre (SMHC). Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with the following information.

SMHC has 12 trained full-time security officers and 1 full-time security manager on staff. Two full-time security officers are dedicated to escorting forensic patients when required under disposition orders.

All security staff members at SMHC are designated special constables with special police tactical training from Manitoba Sheriff Services. The security officers will have the authority to take forensic patients into custody and return them to the centre if required.

In order to comply with the recent Criminal Code Review Board’s ruling, the following additional safety and security measures will be in place.

· Two security officers and one clinical staff member will be escorts.

· Walks will be restricted to periods when staff numbers are at their peak.

· All risks will be assessed by the treatment team before each pass is issued.

· No pass privileges will be approved until all security measures are in place.

SMHC has also recently installed $400,000 in security equipment upgrades which include more video surveillance and access controls throughout the property. SMHC continues to implement the security plan that has been developed. Specific components of security equipment require special order and therefore, are not readily available.

I appreciate the opportunity to clarify these issues. I trust the above information has been of assistance.

Regards,
Theresa Oswald
Minister of Health

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