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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Mental health and detention
To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding prisoners with mental health needs
Recommendation 59: As long as Pinel restraints are administered by correctional staff, consider their application a reportable use of force.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding prisoners with mental health needs
Recommendation 60: Involve healthcare leadership in selecting and training officers for all treatment centres and mental health units.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding prisoners with mental health needs
Recommendation 61: Transfer prisoners with acute mental health needs or histories of serious and chronic selfharm to community psychiatric facilities-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding healthcare services
Recommendation 63: Provide 24-hour nursing care at all maximum and medium security and multi-level institutions. This will ensure medical staff are always available to respond to mental and physical health crises. It also ensures post-use of force medical assessments can happen at any time of day or night.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding healthcare services
Recommendation 64: Provide healthcare independently of CSC through partnerships with provincial health ministries in order to ensure full clinical independence.-
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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 the Government of Canada
Recommendation 87: Provide funding to allow federal prisoners to be accommodated at provincial psychiatric hospitals when they require this level of care.-
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