Pubdate: Tue, 06 Dec 2011
Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2011 The Abbotsford Times
Contact:  http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009
Author: Rochelle Baker

FORMER DRUG-DEALING COP STABBED IN PRISON

33-year-old Hodson was threatened before

A former Vancouver police officer convicted of dealing marijuana was
stabbed in the neck at an Abbotsford prison on Monday night.

Peter Hodson, 33, who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and three
counts of breach of trust, was sentenced to three years in federal
prison in September.

Hodson's lawyer Vince Michaels said another inmate stabbed his client
in the neck with a piece of glass.

Michaels said Hodson is in stable condition in a penitentiary hospital
following surgery at Royal Columbian Hospital.

"I'm told he's segregated at that hospital," he said.

Michaels said he was informed that Hodson was the target of threats
prior to the attack.

"I was told he was left in the [prison's] general population though
he'd communicated with authorities his concerns about his safety and
threats being made against him."

The lawyer and his client's family are worried about the ex-officer's
continued safety.

"I'd like to see his safety guaranteed as much as possible. And I'd
like to see the institution is taking that issue seriously."

Michaels said Correctional Service Canada (CSC) would have to
determine the appropriate measures to safeguard Hodson, who was the
focus a lot of media attention and likely targeted for being a former
police officer.

"I don't propose to speak for corrections. They have to respond to the
circumstances they are presented with," said Michaels.

The stabbing took place around 7:50 p.m. in the Regional Reception and
Assessment Centre at the Pacific Institution in Abbotsford.

The institution was put on lockdown for a search of the living unit
following the assault.

The APD was called out to prison just prior to 9 p.m. after a man in a
common area was stabbed in the neck with a makeshift knife, said
Const. Ian MacDonald Thursday.

The investigation is ongoing, he said.

"We have a person of interest but we are not at the point of
recommending charges yet."

In a press statement, CSC said the security of the prison was
primary.

"In order to improve its practices to prevent and reduce future
incidents, CSC will continue to work in an effort to review the
circumstances surrounding the incident and take action where necessary."

Pacific Institution/Regional Treatment Centre is a multi-security
complex on King Road in Abbotsford that can house up to 415 inmates.
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