Release
Department of Justice and Public Safety
May 15, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Justice and Public Safety has completed an internal review following February’s escape of an inmate from the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre in Shediac.
The review examined the circumstances surrounding the incident and identified areas where additional safeguards could be put in place. As a result, the department has enhanced physical security measures at the facility and amended staff procedures and protocols. Similar measures have been extended to other provincial correctional centres to strengthen safety across the system.
“Public safety is our top priority,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin. “While escapes from our provincial facilities are extremely rare, we take incidents like this very seriously. This review allowed us to identify improvements and take action to reduce the risk of this happening again.”
The review found the escape was preventable and that the inmate went undetected for several hours. Gauvin said these findings led to corrective action on a small number of people.
“The vast majority of correctional staff across the province carry out their duties with professionalism and dedication,” said Gauvin. “Here, a few people fell short of minimum expectations, and the department has addressed that fact.”
He said the department continues to work closely with its law enforcement partners to ensure a co-ordinated and effective response in situations involving public safety.
“I want to thank our correctional staff for the important and often challenging work they do every day to maintain safety and security in our facilities,” said Gauvin. “I also want to recognize the work of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in safely locating and apprehending the individual.”
15-05-26
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Media Contact(s)
Paul Bradley, communications, Department of Justice and Public Safety, [email protected].