OH&S investigating after HMP officer files complaint

A complaint by a correctional officerabout staffing at Her Majesty's Penitentiary in St. John's has led to an investigation by the province's Occupational Health and Safety branch.

Service NL confirmed for CBC News that a complaint was filed in May over a lack of staffing in the west wing of the jail.

An investigation is underway, and depending on what information is received, it could lead to additional investigations at HMP, a statement said.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety, however, says it is confident there are enough correctional officers in place.

"While the department is confident in the current staffing model at HMP, we are working with OHS and appropriate followup will be taken pending the outcome of an ongoing OHS investigation," the department said in a statement.

HMP is Newfoundland and Labrador's largest male prison.