Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Friday, March 9, 2007

INUVIK - The holding cells in the Inuvik RCMP detachment will be replaced this year, said Staff Sgt. Sid Gray.

Gray said the actual detachment building is over 50 years-old. The rear section where the holding cells are located was an add-on.

"This building has had many renovations and changes over the years," said Gray. The cells are one of the oldest sections."

A woman who did not wish to be identified said the cells are substandard and need to be updated.

"Those cells aren't fit for use," she said.

She spoke about her numerous visits to the holding cells, for public drunkenness among other offences.

"They should treat us better while we're in there too," she said.

"We barely get anything to eat, just a few waffles in the morning and a TV dinner for lunch and dinner."

She also said people in detention don't get enough opportunities to shower.

"They don't give us enough showers, I don't think that's fair," she said.

Gray said that all occupants of the cells are fed three meals a day and are treated with respect.

Our guards are instructed to not reply to their ranting," said Gray.

"They make note of the concern and it is handled by an officer when they are available."

Gray said his guards are professional and do not respond to harassment from occupants of the cells.

Each mattress is a high-risk" mattress, which is made of a tough plastic that will not tear easily.

There is no chance of the person tearing up the material for any reason," said Gray.

Each cell has four beds.

There are seven cells in the detachment, including two for women and one for youth. The others are for male occupants.

Gray said if you're brought in for being intoxicated, you are given a coffee in the morning.

"If they can hold their food down, we offer a meal too," said Gray.

He said the showers are based on a rotation.

"Everyone gets a shower every few days," said Gray.

He said that the shower is a common use facility that must be shared by everyone in custody.

"We can only give showers when an officer is present, to ensure everyone's safety," said Gray.

He said the new cells will be a vast improvement over the current cells.

"This building is old, no doubt about that," he said.

"The new facility will be added on to the back of the existing cells once new offices have been constructed."

The new cell facility will be located in the rear lot of the detachment and will be attached once the construction of the offices is done this summer.

"There are no definite plans yet, but I am looking for this to happen this summer," said Gray.