POLICY BULLETIN

PDF

What is new/changed?

The following Commissioner's Directives have been revised to include principles related to searching, that respect cultural differences and to describe how the policies apply to Community Correctional Centres:

• 566-3 - Inmate Movement;
• 566-4 - Inmate Counts;
• 566-7 - Searching of Inmates;
• 566-8 - Searching of Staff and Visitors;
• 566-9 - Searching of Cells, Vehicles and other Areas of the Institution;
• 568-5 - Management of Seized Items; and
• 740 - Work Releases.

Why was the policy changed?

CSC continuously looks for means to improve its policy framework, and wishes to ensure that any barriers for successful reintegration of Aboriginal offenders are removed. These are the first CDs to be revised to include principles related to respect for cultural diversity.

Paragraph 26 of CD 568-5 has been added to ensure the proper disposition of the item(s) of religious or spiritual significance. Paragraph 16 has been amended to conform with the retention period as is set out in the departmental Records Disposition Authorities.

Paragraph 10 of CD 566-7 was deleted because it did not represent CSC's position on the strip searching of members of the opposite sex under emergency conditions.

A new paragraph has been added to CD 566-3 to ensure movement procedures are in place that permit inmate movement to and from religious and cultural events or ceremonies to the greatest extent possible.

Principles have been added to CD 566-4 to ensure that count procedures respect cultural and religious issues.

Paragraphs 13 and 21 of CD 740 have been changed to ensure Elder and Native Liaison Officer input is sought in all work release decision-making processes.

Regions have also raised a number of policy issues through the Management Control Framework relating to Searches, Inmate Count and Movement in CCCs as well as Work Releases. A need to modify exiting policies was identified and approved by EXCOM.

As a result, minor amendments were made to CDs 566-3, 566 4, 566-7, 566-8, and 566-9 to clarify the policy related to searches conducted in CCCs. CD 740 was also changed to ensure inmate consent was documented by having them sign the work release permit.

What is the purpose of the change?

The CDs have been revised to ensure that spiritual/religious/sacred items are treated with respect and that cultural considerations are taken into account at all times.

In addition, the CDs have been revised to address compliance issues raised by Management Control Framework packages 6 and 7.

How was it developed?

The policy changes were developed in consultation with the following branches of National Headquarters: Policy, Security, Legal Services and Aboriginal Initiatives. The Women Offender Sector was also consulted regarding the removal of paragraph 10 from the former CD 566 7 regarding Emergency Searches.

Accountability?

CSC staff involved in searching of staff, visitors, inmates and all areas of an institution, including CCCs.

Who will be affected by the policy?

CSC staff involved in searching of staff, visitors, inmates and all areas of an institution, including CCCs.

Expected cost?

None.

Other impacts?

None.

Table of Contents