Institutional security
Correctional Service Canada (CSC) provides a safe and secure place where inmates can focus on changing their behaviour and becoming law-abiding citizens.
Searching and drug prevention
Preventing and reducing the number of contraband items and illicit substances in correctional institutions is a priority for CSC.
Thorough search procedures are in place at all CSC institutions across the country. Staff members, contractors, visitors, volunteers, and delivery people are all searched using different methods. These may include:
- metal detector
- ION scanners (which detect drugs)
- x-ray machines
- drug detector dog teams
- visual inspections
Cell searches and inmate drug testing also happen regularly in the institution. Vehicle searches and regular perimeter patrol are used outside.
To make searches easier on everyone, visitors should make sure that any bags or purses brought into the institution are as free from clutter as possible.
Tips from the public about contraband can be made by speaking with correctional employees or by calling the CSC tipline at 1-866-780-3784.
Looking for more information? Watch the Don't Risk It! Keeping Drugs Out video. You can also consult the Commissioner's Directives on Searching of Staff and Visitors, Searching of Inmates or the Detector Dog Program.
Security intelligence
The Security Intelligence Program is the heart of CSC's intelligence and information network. The program allows all levels of the organization to receive and share vital information with partner agencies - provincially, nationally and internationally. This means correctional managers have timely, accurate and relevant information. With this information, they can make strategic decisions and adjustments to address threats and risks before they turn into a crisis.
Drug prevention
CSC makes it a priority to prevent and reduce the use of illicit substances by inmates in our institutions.
At the main entrances of institutions, correctional officers use metal detectors and ION scanners to make sure that no drugs or drug paraphernalia enter the institution. Trained drug detector dog teams are also used. Cell searches and inmate urinalysis testing are carried out regularly.
Looking for more information? Consult the Commissioner's Directive on the Detector Dog Program.
Dynamic security
Interaction between staff and inmates (dynamic security) is an important part of preventing violence. Ongoing observation and interaction let staff members gauge the climate of the institution. These tools let them notice changes in inmates' behaviour. They also develop a level of trust and confidence that make it easier for inmates to share intelligence information with them.
Looking for more information? Consult the Framework for safe and effective correctional environments.
Offender property
Depending on the level of security, some inmates are allowed to keep certain items in their cell. Some examples include stationary, artwork and literature. To ensure the safety of the public, staff, and inmates, as well as the security of the institution, all items entering or leaving the institution are thoroughly searched for contraband.
Items can be confiscated if they are used in a way that could jeopardize the safety of any person or the security of the institution.
Looking for more information? Consult the Commissioner's Directive on the Personal Property of Offenders.
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