12 inmates serving intermittent sentences at Nanaimo Correctional Centre have been granted early release. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

early release

Early release pushes down inmate count at Nanaimo Correctional Centre during pandemic

Apr 8, 2020 | 7:11 AM

NANAIMO — Some inmates from Nanaimo Correctional Centre are temporarily free men due to COVID-19.

Information from the ministry of public safety and solicitor general to NanaimoNewsNOW showed 12 inmates were granted early release, but it doesn’t mean less time behind bars.

Each inmate still has time remaining on their intermittent sentences, which typically involve spending the weekend in jail.

“This does not mean a sentence has ended and/or is suspended, instead the sentence runs concurrently to the temporary absence. BC Corrections may rescind a temporary absence if/when warranted,” the ministry said.

As of April 2, 63 inmates remain at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre. The medium-risk prison on Biggs Rd. can hold up to 190 inmates serving sentences under two years in length.

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Just six new inmates entered the prison in the last month, while 33 others were released for finished sentences or bail.

The ministry said no Nanaimo inmates serving non-intermittent sentences were granted early release between March 1 and April 2.

The province recently revealed plans to release non-violent offenders early as a way to help prevent COVID-19 transmissions.

“All early release assessments consider criminal history, sentence length, offence type, and any other relevant information, including risk to public safety, and available community support upon release,” the ministry said.

Three recently confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported among inmates at provincial correctional centres in Mission and Oliver, B.C.

Numerous COVID-19 protocols are in place at the province’s correctional centres, including efforts to encourage social distancing and sanitation measures.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes