e-4971 (Correctional system)

Like much of Canadian society, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is experiencing the effect of Canada's opioid crisis. CSC views individual substance use first and foremost as a health concern, and has implemented a range of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction measures, in line with the Canadian Drug and Substances Strategy, to work with incarcerated offenders in response to this need and to help prevent lethal overdoses. Of note, there have been no reported fatalities involving participants using our harm reduction services.

CSC began implementing a Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) to prevent the sharing of needles, facilitate referrals to health care services and programs, and limit the spread of infectious diseases, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in federal institutions. It is important to note that this is just one measure that is available to incarcerated offenders and complements other existing measures.

Before an individual can participate in the PNEP program, CSC completes a Threat Risk Assessment (TRA), to confirm that it is suitable to allow the individual to possess a needle, similar to the one currently being used for Epipens and needles for insulin use. As of February 1st, 2024, there have been no reported assaults on employees or incarcerated offenders involving needles used in the PNEP program.

The safety and security of institutions, staff, offenders, and the public is a top priority. Preventing the introduction of contraband and reducing the use of illicit substances by incarcerated offenders in correctional institutions remains an ongoing key priority as they pose a risk to the safety and security of our institutions and impact offender rehabilitation. CSC works closely with local police agencies and communities to prevent and reduce contraband and unauthorized items, including drugs and substances, from entering institutions. Illicit drugs are considered contraband in federal institutions, and inmates found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs may be subject to administrative consequences, disciplinary charges/sanctions, and/or criminal charges.

CSC has a National Drug Strategy, which incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to review and address an incarcerated individual’s substance use. Aligned with Commissioner’s Directive 585 National Drug Strategy, each institution has developed and implemented drug strategies to balance detection, deterrence, and treatment. As part of this, and to support the safety and security of everyone in our institutions, CSC continues to implement measures to address the introduction, trafficking, financing, and/or distribution of contraband within our institutions. The elements of the National Drug Strategy include:

Increasing the awareness of the negative consequences of illicit drug use - This component focuses on preventing illicit drug use by offenders in institutions. This is accomplished by providing awareness programs, infectious disease testing and associated treatment, and Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT). It also involves delivering quality health services to incarcerated offenders to assist them in achieving a drug-free lifestyle.

Reducing the demand for illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing the demand for illicit drugs by supporting innovative and effective approaches to intervening with, treating and rehabilitating offenders who use illicit drugs. CSC offers a suite of health interventions and correctional programming that addresses multiple criminogenic needs, including substance use disorder. Correctional programs are offered at intensity levels that are commensurate to the offenders’ risk level.

Reducing the supply of illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing and preventing the supply of illicit drugs through various efforts to investigate and disrupt the introduction and trafficking of contraband in our institutions. CSC also continues to lead intelligence investigations relating to the introduction and trafficking of contraband and strengthen partnerships with police to pursue criminal investigations into drug traffickers targeting our facilities.

Strict policies concerning contraband and unauthorized activities are in place, which are enforced through dynamic and static security practices, including extensive search procedures for offenders, staff, and visitors. Incarcerated individuals found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs can face administrative consequences, disciplinary sanctions, and/or criminal charges.

In addition to staff vigilance, dynamic security and security intelligence information, CSC relies on a combination of detection equipment, search practices and a variety of approved techniques to prevent the entry of drugs and contraband. This includes interdiction measures such as routine searches of persons (including inmates, visitors and staff), vehicles, cells/rooms, and other areas of the institution, which are in accordance with the Institutional Search Plan as well as non-routine searches, which may be authorized based on staff observations and intelligence information. Other measures include regular monitoring of offender activity; random urinalysis testing; and the non-intrusive searching of all visitors entering institutions using tools such as metal detectors, ion scanners, and detector dogs.