TIP LINE TATTLES ON PRISONER DRUG USE

Federal prisons in B.C. have started a tip line to weed out drugs.

"We want to do everything we can to try to prevent the introduction
of illegal substances into institutions," said Correctional Service
of Canada spokesman Dennis Finlay.

"We know they are getting in. We find them frequently. We find
inmates on a regular basis who are under the influence."

Existing anti-drug measures include use of drug dogs, body searches
and ion scanners.

Callers to the tip line can also report inmates who try to pressure
visitors into bringing in drugs or committing other illegal acts, Finlay said.

Institutions in the tip program include Kent, Mountain, Mission,
Matsqui, Kwikwexwelhp Healing Village, Ferndale, William Head,
Pacific Institution/Regional Treatment Centre and the Fraser Valley
Institution for women.

- - About 80 federal corrections officers blocked entrances and exits
at 52 institutions in B.C. for an hour yesterday.

They want a new contract that recognizes health, safety, equipment
and shift-scheduling issues, said John Williams of the Union of
Canadian Correctional Officers. The seven days on, three off, seven
on, four off schedule is "very detrimental" to health, he said.

Talks have stalled and Robert Makichuk of the Treasury Board
Secretariat said it is seeking establishment of a conciliation panel.