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The Canadian Champion, Tueday, Novemnber 14, 2000 -19 lJai1 crisis intervention team brings calming effect Phots by GRAHAM PAINE A member of Mapiehurst's ICIn practices crowd contrai techniques during a monthiy training session. By LISA CARTWRIGHT The Champion Just the arrivai of the Institutional Crisis Intervention Teamn (ICIT) usually calms any disturbances caused by inmrates at the Maplehurst correctional complex. "We often find it has a calming effect over an inmate's behav- jour," said Ross Virgo, spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Corrections. Mr. Virgo said the inmates know ICIT members are specialiy trained to use the appropriate level of force and have access tc special equipment that "inmnaîes often give up before an alterca- tion cornes about," he said. There are about 280 correctiona officers in 19 facilities across Ontario who belong to ICIT. The team itseif was established 20 years ago as a way to, stop potentialiy dangerous situations [rom getting out of control. ICIT is used in situations wbere other methoda - such as negotiation - have failed, said Mapiehurat superintendent Mike Mouaiy. Mr. Mousiy said ICIT can be used in hostage situations to stop inmate disturbances, celi extractions and the organized movement of inmates if there is resistance. Each member is equipped with a uniform that consista of cov- eralis, a helmet and a gas mask as weil as weapons such as a baton, pepper spray and a shield. The shields are used to pin inmates to the ground and walls as weil as to, protect tears mem- bers [rom items tbrown at thers, he said. There are four teama of six at Mapiehurst. Ai members are cor- rectionai officers who have passed a screening, which inciudes a fitness level test, as weil as a written test and an interview. Afler approval [rom their superintendent, members take a two-week basic training program as a military base, Mr. Virgo said. Whiie there, they iearn things such as report writing, formation, restraînts, use of force and chemical weapons, which is employed as a last resort, Mr. Virgo stressed. T'Me teama train monthiy at their individual facilities, and once a year ail members [rom across the province gather for a refreaher course and share experiences. A( Mapiehurst, ICIT has been used with succesa, Mr. Mousiy expiained. In October 1996, the team defused a disturbance by inmates - who were unhappy thse govemment stop paying their $5 per week canteen ailowance. Thse team waa also used in the spring to move an inmate with psychiatnic problems to court and back. Following a set of procedures, the superintendent would request the use of ICIT. The regional director would make the final decision. Once ICIT is at the facility, the team is briefed on the situation before deciding what to do. We believe..., in helping. Anyone. Doe*waeoasac*àddMgoa >wtim DFGoeéI ÀWaLuo UNIROYALEV B 876m4788 1lnD OPEN SUNDAYS 1 0-3 ýM 555S MAIN ST. E. MILTON 1r. Mark Cusrds Is givlng a Beusegit Concert on Sun. Nov. 26 wkth tise proceeds golag to the Grace Anglican Cbusrch Restoration Fumnd. YOU COULD COPIES 0F TUE CD &"A BRIDGE TO US AIL"9 JUST RY ANS WERING OUR TRIVIA QUESTION. Write your answer on the ballot below and fil in your name, address, phone- number and age. Mail or drop off at thse Canadia Champon office: 191 Main St. E. *Defl n for entries is Tues., Nov. 21, 2000