Jury in coroner’s inquest recommends 66 changes to prevent future deaths at Niagara Detention Centre

The recent coroner’s inquest into the deaths of five men at the Niagara Detention Centre (NDC) has sparked a wave of recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies. The deaths of Timothy Anderson, Murray Balogh, David Cowe, Michael Croft, and Jahrell Lungs, all due to drug-related causes between 2018 and 2022, have prompted the jury to make 66 recommendations for change.

The recommendations, though non-binding, are directed towards Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General and the NDC. They include crucial measures such as adopting harm-reduction principles, implementing 24-hour nursing services, abandoning zero-tolerance policies for drug use, continuously monitoring at-risk patients for overdoses, and enhancing access to naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses.

In response to the jury’s recommendations, Ministry spokesperson Brent Ross expressed gratitude and mentioned that officials would review and respond to the suggestions within the mandatory six-month response period.

During the three-week inquest, witnesses including jail workers, managers, and medical experts provided insights into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The inquest, conducted virtually by the Ontario chief coroner’s office, also heard from representatives of the Prison Harm Reduction Coalition, a group advocating for incarcerated individuals and drug users in the Niagara community.

After a series of factual questions and deliberations, the jury concluded that all five deaths were accidental, caused by drug poisoning or toxicity. The jury’s recommendations, though not mandatory, are seen as crucial steps towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Among the key recommendations made by the jury is the implementation of 24-hour nursing services at the NDC, as well as the consideration of ‘Good Samaritan principles’ to encourage inmates to share information about drug use without fear of reprisal. The jury also called for the abandonment of zero-tolerance policies for drug use within the facility.

In light of the urgent need for intervention, the jury suggested the provision of naloxone spray to individuals in custody, including within locked cells, to combat the risks of overdose within the facility. Additionally, they recommended the implementation of on-call nurses and frequent monitoring of inmates readmitted after overdoses to ensure their safety.

The Ministry and the NDC are now tasked with evaluating the feasibility and benefits of these recommendations to prevent future tragedies and ensure the well-being of all individuals in their care. The inquest serves as a critical step towards improving the safety and welfare of incarcerated individuals and addressing the urgent need for harm reduction strategies within correctional facilities.