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Prison Safety and Security Measures. The article provides a comprehensive exploration of prison safety and security measures within the context of the United States criminal justice system. Beginning with a historical perspective, it traces the evolution of safety measures, identifying key milestones and their influence on contemporary practices.
- Backgrounder
- Security classification of inmates
- Security classification of institutions
- Offender Transfers
- Victim Services and Notifications
Maintaining the safety and security of institutions and the public is at the core of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC)’s mandate. CSC’s work is guided by law. Everything we do and every decision we take must be within the framework of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) and Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR). This includes the security classification and transfer of offenders. One of the guiding principles, specified in the CCRA, that guides CSC is to use the least restrictive measure consistent with the protection of society, staff members, and offenders.
Maintaining the safety and security of institutions and the public is at the core of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC)’s mandate. CSC’s work is guided by law. Everything we do and every decision we take must be within the framework of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) and Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR). This includes the security classification and transfer of offenders. One of the guiding principles, specified in the CCRA, that guides CSC is to use the least restrictive measure consistent with the protection of society, staff members, and offenders.
From the time an individual is sentenced by the Courts and admitted to the federal correctional system, they are assessed and must be placed in an institution that corresponds to their security classification. Decisions on security classification must be in accordance with the law, as defined in the CCRA and CCRR. CSC's approach to both initial security classification and security reclassification includes the use of evidence-based assessment instruments together with the professional judgment of specialized staff.
The security level is determined based on:
•Consideration of the security classification rating using the Custody Rating Scale or the Security Reclassification Scale, which are both actuarial tools that generate a score based on an inmate’s history background, for example, security-related incidents, previous escapes, offence severity, and their progress while in-custody.
•The decision maker’s assessment of the following three areas:
1.required degree of supervision and control within the institution (institutional adjustment)
2.escape risk
CSC operates institutions at essentially three levels of security: maximum, medium and minimum. La Macaza Institution has similar static security protocols to Millhaven Institution. Only offenders assessed as low risk to public safety are placed in a minimum-security institution.
La Macaza Insitution
•Well-defined perimeter, high fences and armed controlled
•Strictly guarded 24/7
•Inmate movement is monitored and controlled
•Inmate participates and engages in their correctional plan
CSC has a rigorous case management process in place and all transfers (voluntary, involuntary or emergency) are made in accordance with the CCRA. Transfers play an important role in CSC’s ability to manage the inmate population within our legal framework, and are key to meeting CSC’s mission and mandate. Transfers from an institution to another may occur for many reasons, including when an offender’s security classification is reviewed or to ensure offenders have access to the appropriate programs based on their correctional plan needs, such as facilities that specialize in managing sex offenders and protective custody cases.
When transferring an offender, CSC selects the appropriate level of security by taking into account the degree and type of control they require to ensure the ongoing safety of the public, victims, offenders, and our staff. All transfers of inmates to lower levels of security occur only after CSC has duly considered public safety.
CSC is committed to upholding victims’ rights and taking a victim-informed approach when making decisions or recommendations regarding offenders. Victim considerations are taken into account in case management and decision-making. This includes reviewing all victim statements on file, whether submitted in court or directly to CSC. At any time in an offender’s sentence, a victim can submit a new or updated statement to CSC for consideration.
CSC provides information and notifications to victims based on provisions in the CCRA for individuals who meet the definition of a victim under the law. Victims may register to receive information on matters relating to offenders, including transfers, unescorted temporary absences and parole board hearings.
Victim concerns must be included in the overall assessment for transfers prior to the decisions. Victims services staff are consulted as part of this decision-making process, and we work to uphold the Canadian Victim Bill of Rights. As per policy, the Victim Services Unit notifies victims as soon as a transfer has been completed for transfers to a medium-security or a maximum-security institution.
In this case, victims were called twice, once prior to the transfer as a heads up, and after the transfer was complete. They also received written notification. The information provided to them included the security level, location, and a summary of the reasons for the transfer. We also explained the differences between medium and maximum institutions. Registered victims also received a Correctional Plan Progress Report for Paul Bernardo.
Associated links
•Statement regarding Paul Bernardo – June 5, 2023
- Correctional Service Canada
The primary security levels are minimum, medium, maximum, and supermax, with each level designed to manage a specific category of inmate based on their risk assessment, escape risk, and the threat they pose to others. Minimum security prisons are designed for inmates considered to be the lowest risk, often housing those who have committed non ...
The concept of dynamic security has the benefits of engaging prisoners individually and gaining both material and intuitive insights into the operation of the prison. The concept of dynamic security is based on: Positive relationships, communication and interaction between the staff and prisoners. Professionalism.
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Jun 21, 2020 · The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is responsible for managing the risk inmates present. Since different inmates require different degrees of control, CSC operates institutions at three levels of security: maximum, medium and minimum. All transfers of inmates to lower levels of security occur only after CSC has duly considered, among ...
May 6, 2024 · Prisons have detailed security levels. They categorize inmates and run facilities based on risk and inmates’ needs. The system helps establish suitable security protocols. It also helps with rehabilitation and efficient resource management, enhancing the efficacy and safety of correctional environments. 1. Minimum Security.
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The subsequent Mountbatten Report, published in 1966, recommended the introduction of a new categorization system (see Categories of Prison Security section); an intensification of security measures throughout the prison system as a whole; and that the most difficult and hig-hrisk prisoners be concentrated in one top security prison to be built on the Isle of Wight. With respect to this last ...
