In June 2019, “Damage/Control: Use of force and the cycle of violence and trauma in BC’s federal and provincial prisons” was published by the West Coast Prison Justice Society/Prisoners’ Legal Services. The report analyzes law and policy governing the use of force by correctional officers in light of interviews with over 100 federal and provincial prisoners. The report finds that both CSC and BC Corrections officers use force in response to prisoners in emotional distress and as a tool to coerce compliance, even when there is no immediate risk to safety. It argues that relying on physical force in these circumstances creates an adversarial environment that compromises safety and wellbeing for both prisoners and staff.
87 search results
To BC Corrections
Regarding post-use of force practices
Recommendation 31: Amend the Adult Custody Policy to require decontamination showers (unshackled and with soap, for as long as necessary for proper decontamination) and fresh clothing to be provided immediately. The decontamination process should be videotaped (with provisions made to ensure privacy is protected).-
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To BC Corrections
Regarding post-use of force practices
Recommendation 32: Amend the Adult Custody Policy to require photographing of all visible injuries (whether or not they require medical attention). Clarify who is responsible for photographing a prisoner’s injuries (it must not be staff who were involved in the use of force) and how soon the photographs must be taken.-
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To BC Corrections
Regarding strip searches and spit masks
Recommendation 33: Conduct an audit of strip searches with a view to reducing or eliminating their use and the resulting humiliation and retraumatization of prisoners.-
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To BC Corrections
Regarding strip searches and spit masks
Recommendation 34: If a prisoner is strip-searched in a room with a camera, staff should cover it to allay prisoners’ fears about being strip searched on camera. If a prisoner is strip searched in the presence of a handheld camera, allow the prisoner to see that the camera is turned away.-
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To BC Corrections
Regarding strip searches and spit masks
Recommendation 35: Eliminate the use of spit masks.-
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To the Provincial Health Services Authority
Recommendation 36: Develop policy and training on dual loyalty and the domestic and international ethical obligations of medical professionals working in prisons.-
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To the Provincial Health Services Authority
Recommendation 37: Immediately develop policy, guidelines and reporting forms to provide for post-use of force medical assessments of every prisoner subject to force. Ensure assessments involve thorough physical examinations in a private setting and that nurses document all reported and observed injuries. Train all staff in the new policy.-
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To the Provincial Health Services Authority
Recommendation 38: Ensure that post-use of force medical assessments are used solely to support the wellbeing of the patient and to document signs of ill-treatment. Any signs of ill-treatment must be reported to the Warden, BC Corrections Provincial Director, Provincial Health Services Authority Director of Correctional Health Services and the Investigation and Standards Office.-
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To the Provincial Health Services Authority
Recommendation 39: Require staff to make all reasonable efforts to ensure this assessment is not mediated by physical barriers such as bars, security glass, door hatches or screens. If officer presence is required for safety reasons, the officer(s) must not have been involved in the use of force.-
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To the Provincial Health Services Authority
Recommendation 40: Ensure post-use of force medical assessments include an assessment of the prisoner’s mental state and any potential impact on the prisoner’s mental health. When indicated, monitor and treat prisoners for for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.-
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