Security Classification and Transfers

Classification: Unclassified

Branch/Agency: CSC

Proposed Response:

Background:

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is responsible for managing the risk inmates present. Since different inmates require different degrees of control, CSC operates institutions at three levels of security: maximum, medium and minimum. All transfers of inmates to lower levels of security occur only after CSC has duly considered, among other factors, public safety.

Security Classification

Upon entering the federal correctional system, inmates are assessed and placed in the most appropriate institution and security level that will contribute to their timely preparation for safe reintegration. This process takes into account the degree and type of custody and control required to ensure the safety of the public, the offender, other persons in the institutions, and the security of the institution. The offender’s accessibility to family and other support mechanisms, the availability of appropriate programs and services, and the inmate’s willingness to participate in those programs are also taken into account. All inmates entering federal custody undergo a full assessment and referral process to identify their program and security needs, which may include medical, psychological, psychiatric, correctional programs, employment and education assessments. Only those offenders who are assessed as having a low risk to public safety are placed in a minimum-security institution.

Under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, CSC is required to assign a security classification of maximum, medium, or minimum to each offender admitted to its institutions. CSC’s Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 705-7, Security Classification and Penitentiary Placement, is the policy framework that sets out the process used to determine security classification and penitentiary placement. The policy builds on the law which sets out the factors CSC must consider in determining an inmate’s security classification. The offender security level is based on the Custody Rating Scale (CRS), as well as the analysis of institutional adjustment risk, escape risk and public safety risk. The security classification forms part of an offender's correctional plan for penitentiary placement. Though the CRS is considered actuarial (relating to statistical calculation) the parole officer uses their professional judgement to make a final security level recommendation.

Security Classification Review

As is the case for all offenders, security classification reviews can be undertaken at any time during their sentence. CD 710-6, Review of Inmate Security Classification, states that a Security Classification Review will be completed at least once every two years for inmates classified at maximum or medium security level. A review of an inmate’s security classification will be completed prior to making a recommendation for any decision (e.g. transfer, temporary absence, work release or parole).

Transfers

One of the major factors that CSC takes into account when considering the transfer of inmates to lower-security level facilities is the progress made in addressing the needs identified in their correctional plan, which outlines what they must do to address the factors that led to their criminal behaviour. All transfers of inmates to lower levels of security occur only after CSC has duly considered public safety. An inmate must present a low probability of escape and a low risk to the safety of the public. The inmate must also require a low degree of supervision and control within the institution.

As offenders progress through the correctional system to lower security levels, the programs and activities are tailored to more closely reflect the conditions the offender is likely to encounter once released into the community. A transfer to lower security allows the inmate to experience responsibilities to prepare for reintegration into the community. CSC regularly assesses the risks presented by all offenders to ensure that they are placed at the appropriate security level. The safety and security of staff and inmates are paramount when making decisions about inmate accommodation.

Inmates serving sentences for violent offences may be placed in a minimum-security institution if they have made significant progress in addressing the factors that led to their criminal behaviours, and are considered to be a manageable risk. A transfer to lower security usually occurs later in the inmate's sentence and allows for the inmate to experience responsibilities associated with reintegration into the community.

Contacts:

Prepared by: Jessica Martineau, Officer Parliamentary Relations, 613-943-1726

Approved by: Kirstan Gagnon, Assistant Commissioner, Communications & Engagement, 613-995-6867

Date modified: