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Whitehorse Jail: Urgent Changes After Inmate Death
4 Aug
Summary
- Seven recommendations issued to prevent inmate suicides.
- Inmate died by suicide in Whitehorse Correctional Centre.
- Jury calls for training, policy updates, and facility modifications.
A jury has put forward seven vital recommendations to prevent future inmate deaths by suicide at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. These proposals follow the December 2024 suicide of 37-year-old Manui Karl Roux. The recommendations target critical areas, including mandatory mental health and suicide intervention training for correctional officers and supervisors within 90 days.
The jury also called for an updated suicide prevention policy, the hiring of a full-time counsellor, and modifications to cell sinks to mitigate self-harm risks. Jurors heard during the inquest that Roux had requested mental health counselling and medical checks, and had a history of suicide attempts, information that was not fully shared with his counsellor.
The inquest revealed that Roux was arrested in November 2024 on multiple charges. Despite passing initial suicide screenings, he died by suicide between 4:42 a.m. and 5:25 a.m. on December 23, 2024. The jury's recommendations are directed at improving safety and mental health care within the facility.
