“We had previously expressed concerns regarding the lack of security screening for visitors to the Provincial Court in a meeting with the Minister of Justice Felix Collins. At the time, we were satisfied that Minister Collins understood the need to have security increased in the courts and was taking action to deal with it,” said Furlong. “Our members at the Provincial Court work in a very high-risk environment. The safety of these workers and the public at large must be of the utmost importance. The absence of a proper screening system meant that there was an increased risk of harm at the Provincial Court.”
The new screening process will consist of metal detection equipment as well as x-ray machines. The new process will also include two separate points of entry, each with the new screening process, for the Traffic and Criminal divisions of the Provincial Court location in Atlantic Place.
“We are pleased that the Minister listened to the union’s concerns and has moved forward with the implementation of this new screening process at this location,” Furlong continued. “We are calling on Minister Collins to expand this additional security screening for the entire court system across the province to ensure a greater level of safety and security for our members as well as for the general public.”
The new screening process will begin on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.
For further information please contact:
Keith Dunne, NAPE Campaigns and Communications Coordinator
(phone) 709.570.2501 (e-mail) kdunne@nape.nf.ca
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