After a preliminary investigation, the Vancouver Police are able to provide a response to a recent allegation regarding the Vancouver Jail.
The accusations were apparently made in open court about unclean conditions of a cell housing two prisoners, and included references to alleged vomit and feces and unsanitary conditions.
Some have taken those allegations at face value and have shared details based not on fact, but speculation and rumour. Reports that police have refused a court order are also incorrect. The VPD was not provided with, and had no knowledge of, an official notice about these allegations. Once hearing of them, however, an internal investigation began.
The investigation continues, but after reviewing jail logs and video, the claims reported in the media appear at this point to be completely unfounded.
“VPD jail cells are not meant as a long-term incarceration, and we continue to look into this matter,” says VPD spokesperson Constable Brian Montague. “Keep in mind the jail is a place that not only houses prisoners for short periods, but where many VPD staff work daily. Obviously, we would want it to be kept to an appropriate standard.”
