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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To the Provincial Health Services Authority
Recommendation 41: Ensure post-use of force medical assessments include a determination of whether the prisoner has been adequately decontaminated, has received clean clothing and bedding, and has a clean cell.-
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To the Provincial Health Services Authority
Recommendation 42: 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/or 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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To the Provincial Health Services Authority
Recommendation 43: Conduct an audit of post-use of force medical assessments and clinicians’ compliance with their ethical obligations.-
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To the BC Government
Recommendation 44: Amend s. 12(1) of the Correction Act to remove the authorization of force “to prevent property damage” and “to maintain custody and control of an inmate.”-
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To the BC Government
Recommendation 45: Provide the Investigation and Standards Office with the mandate and with increased funding to review and publicly report on all uses of force in BC Corrections facilities.-
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To the BC Government
Recommendation 46: Expand the mandate of, and allocate funding to, the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital to house prisoners with serious mental health disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of BC Corrections on a long-term basis.-
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To the Investigation and Standards Office
Recommendation 47: In collaboration with BC Corrections, approach the BC Government for funding to review every use of force in a BC Corrections facility. In the interim, periodically review a random sampling of use of force incidents. Reviews should include interviews with the prisoner involved.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding use of force policy and practice
Recommendation 48: Clarify in policy that force can only be used when necessary to prevent imminent harm to a person, not to address noncompliance or disobedience.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding use of force policy and practice
Recommendation 49: Adopt an explicitly trauma-informed approach to interventions.-
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To Correctional Service Canada
Regarding use of force policy and practice
Recommendation 50: Restrict the use of force in response to self-harm to circumstances where there is an imminent risk of grievous bodily harm.-
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