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.
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Criminal justice system
To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding internal use of force reviews
Recommendation 71: When an officer fails to follow policy on use of force, review subsequent uses of force by that officer at the regional or national level.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding internal use of force reviews
Recommendation 72: Use of force reviews should include a description of the prisoners’ evidence. When a prisoner alleges misconduct and the review determines no wrongdoing, the decision maker should include an assessment of the evidence and reasons for preferring one witness’s evidence over another’s.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding internal use of force reviews
Recommendation 73: In the absence of objective evidence, do not conclude a use of force was appropriate. If the prisoner says force was abusive or unjustified and there is no video or other objective evidence, conclude that the appropriateness of the force is undetermined.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding prisoner voices and prisoners’ access to their own personal information
Recommendation 74: Inform the prisoner as to whether the incident will be subject to a Level 1, 2 or 3 review and advise them of the timeline for the review.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding prisoner voices and prisoners’ access to their own personal information
Recommendation 75: Interview prisoners as part of all regional and national-level use of force reviews.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding prisoner voices and prisoners’ access to their own personal information
Recommendation 76: Provide prisoners and their counsel the opportunity to see video of uses of force against them upon request. Provide officers’ observation reports and a copy of all use of force reviews without requiring a Privacy Act request from the prisoner.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding post-use of force medical assessments
Recommendation 77: Ensure that medical assessments after acts of force are used solely to support the wellbeing of the patient and document signs of ill-treatment. Any signs of ill-treatment must be reported to senior CSC operational and medical staff and the Office of the Correctional Investigator.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding post-use of force medical assessments
Recommendation 78: 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 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding post-use of force medical assessments
Recommendation 79: Amend policy to require that post-use of force medical assessments include a determination of whether the prisoner has received clean clothing and bedding and has a clean cell.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding post-use of force medical assessments
Recommendation 80: The healthcare professional should complete a written report that includes the prisoner’s account of the incident and their assessment of any physical injuries and psychological impact. This report should be included in the use of force review if the prisoner consents, and a copy should be provided to the prisoner.-
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