Commissioner's Directive

Policy Objectives

1. To establish the requirements and procedures for searching staff and visitors to prevent entry and exit of unauthorized items and contraband into and out of the institution.

2. To ensure the Correctional Service of Canada uses measures that are consistent with the protection of society, staff members and offenders and that are limited to only what is necessary and proportionate to attain the purposes of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.

Authorities

3. Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA), sections 3, 3.1, 4, 46, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 and 67

Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR), sections 43, 44, 45, 46, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58

APPLICATION

4. This Commissioner's Directive applies to staff at all institutions, including Community Correctional Centres, except where noted.

RESPONSIBILITIES

5. The Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Institutional Operations, will:

1. ensure each institution has an approved Search Plan; and
2. review the Search Plan and develop a procedure to monitor its use and adherence to standards.

6. The Institutional Head/District Director will:

1. approve the Search Plan;
2. ensure a notice is displayed at all entry points stating all persons, items and vehicles are subject to search as per section 62 of the CCRA;
3. ensure a list of authorized items is posted at each entry as per Annex B;
4. authorize non-routine frisk searches of staff;
5. authorize strip searches of visitors;
6. ensure persons conducting searches are properly trained; and
7. designate a person to manage and administer the Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) device.

7. The Institutional Head may authorize, in writing, a staff member to search the vehicles at a penitentiary, as per section 61 of the CCRA.

8. The Deputy Warden/Associate District Director will ensure:

1. there are documented procedures directing the searching of staff and visitors;
2. quality assurance and control protocol are in place for searching staff and visitors. These include measures against standards and the development and implementation of regular performance measures; and
3. Threat Risk Assessments (TRA) are completed as required.

9. The Assistant Warden, Operations/Manager, Operations, or Area Director will:

1. develop the Search Plan; and
2. ensure searching equipment is available and functioning.

10. The Correctional Manager/Manager, Community Correctional Centre, will:

1. oversee searches;
2. when there is reason to believe an unauthorized item or contraband exists:
   1. complete a TRA as required,
   2. seek approval from the Institutional Head prior to a strip search of a visitor,
   3. detain a staff member to obtain the authorization of the Institutional Head or the services of the police; and
3. administer the IMS device outside normal working hours.

11. The Manager, Community Correctional Centre, will assign staff to conduct searches.

12. The Correctional Officer/Primary Worker will:

1. search staff, visitors and their personal possessions as per the Search Plan; and
2. complete and submit search reports as required.

PROCEDURES

Search Plan

13. The Search Plan will include, but not be limited to, all the elements outlined in Annex C.

14. Community Correctional Centres are not required to have a section in their Search Plan concerning the routine searching of staff and visitors.

Searches of Aboriginal Items

15. Any required security examination of Aboriginal medicine bundles, religious and spiritual articles or other sacred objects will be accomplished by having the owner manipulate them for visual inspection by the examining officer. In the owner's absence, an Elder, an Elder's representative (who is not an inmate) or a religious representative will inspect or manipulate the contents for inspection.

Searches of Visitors

Routine Non-Intrusive and Frisk Searches

16. As per section 59 of the CCRA and subsection 54(1) of the CCRR, a staff member may conduct a routine non-intrusive search or a routine frisk search of a visitor, without individualized suspicion, when the visitor is entering or leaving the institution.

17. In all facilities, except minimum security and Community Correctional Centres, there will be a non-intrusive search of all visitors each and every time they enter and exit the institution.

18. Institutional Heads of minimum security facilities will ensure that a non-intrusive search of all visitors and their possessions is conducted on at least a periodic basis. The frequency of these searches will be outlined in the Search Plan.

Non-Routine Frisk Search

19. As per section 60 of the CCRA, a staff member may conduct a non-routine frisk search of a visitor where the staff member suspects on reasonable grounds that the visitor is carrying contraband or carrying other evidence relating to an offence under section 45 of the CCRA. If, before or during the course of a frisk search, a visitor objects to being searched by a person not of the same sex, where reasonably practicable, a same sex staff member will perform the search.

Strip Search: Suspects on Reasonable Grounds that a Visitor is Carrying Contraband

20. As per subsection 60(2) of the CCRA, where a staff member suspects on reasonable grounds that a visitor possesses contraband or other evidence relating to an offence, and believes that a strip search is necessary to find the contraband or evidence, a TRA will be conducted using Threat Risk Assessment (TRA) (CSC/SCC 1300-01E).

21. Following the TRA, one or more of the following measures may be taken:

1. authorize an unrestricted visit;
2. conduct a non-routine frisk search of the visitor;
3. prohibit a contact visit with an inmate and authorize a non-contact visit only;
4. request a strip search with the visitor's consent;
5. require the visitor to leave the penitentiary immediately.

22. If a visitor refuses to undergo a search, the Institutional Head or a staff member designated by the Institutional Head may:

1. prohibit a contact visit with an inmate and authorize a non-contact visit; or
2. require the visitor to leave the institution immediately.

Strip Search: Believes on Reasonable Grounds that a Visitor is Carrying Contraband

23. Following the gathering of information through a TRA, if there is other information from non-intrusive search devices which supports positive results, suspicion may increase to a belief.

24. As per subsection 60(3) of the CCRA, where a staff member believes on reasonable grounds that a visitor is carrying contraband, or other evidence relating to an offence under section 45 of the CCRA, and that a strip search is necessary to find the contraband or evidence, the staff member may:

1. detain the visitor in order to obtain written authorization from the Institutional Head to conduct the strip search; or
2. detain the visitor to obtain the services of the police.

25. As per subsection 60(4) of the CCRA, a visitor who is detained will be informed promptly of the reasons for the detention and, before being searched, will be advised of the right to retain and instruct counsel and be given the opportunity to do so.

26. In the case of Community Correctional Centres, visitors will not be detained; however, the police may be informed.

27. The strip search will be conducted in a private area, out of sight of others, by a staff member of the same sex, and in the presence of a witness. This witness will also be of the same sex as the individual being searched.

Searches of Children

28. No child will be subjected to a strip search by staff.

29. If a staff member suspects on reasonable grounds that a child visitor is being used to carry contraband, a TRA will be conducted using the Threat Risk Assessment (TRA) (CSC/SCC 1300-01E) form. If the suspicion cannot be resolved, the child visitor will be permitted to leave the penitentiary and the relevant provincial child protection authorities will be informed, where required, by applicable provincial law.

30. If a staff member believes on reasonable grounds that a child visitor is being used to carry contraband, and the staff member satisfies the Institutional Head that there are reasonable grounds to believe, the Institutional Head will usually deny the visit and may detain the child in order to obtain the services of the police or the relevant provincial child protection authorities, depending on the circumstances.

31. A child visitor and accompanying adult who are detained will be informed promptly of the reasons for the detention and, before being searched, will be advised of their right to retain and instruct counsel and be given the opportunity to do so immediately.

Searches of Staff Members

32. As per section 63 of the CCRA and section 56 of the CCRR, a routine non-intrusive search or a routine frisk search of another staff member may be conducted without individualized suspicion, when the other staff member is entering or exiting the institution.

33. In all facilities, except minimum security and Community Correctional Centres, there will be a non-intrusive search of all staff members, each and every time they enter and exit the institution.

34. Institutional Heads of minimum security facilities will ensure that routine non-intrusive searches of staff and their possessions are conducted on at least a periodic basis. The frequency of these searches must be outlined in the Search Plan.

Strip Search: Believes on Reasonable Grounds that a Staff Member is Carrying Contraband

35. As per subsection 64(1) of the CCRA, where a staff member believes on reasonable grounds that another staff member is carrying contraband or evidence relating to a criminal offence and that a frisk search or strip search is necessary to find the contraband or evidence, the staff member may detain the other staff member in order to obtain the authorization of the Institutional Head or the services of the police.

36. As per subsection 64(2) of the CCRA, a staff member who is detained will be informed promptly of the reasons for the detention and, before being searched, will be given a reasonable opportunity to retain and instruct counsel without delay and be informed of that right.

37. Non-routine searches of staff will be conducted and witnessed by a staff member (same sex) of a rank higher than that of the staff member being searched. Only one witness (same sex) will be present.

38. The District Director will authorize non-intrusive searches when there are reasonable grounds to believe that staff may be in possession of contraband.

Reporting Requirements

39. The Search Log (CSC/SCC 0845) and Post-Search Report (CSC/SCC 1365) will be completed in the following circumstances:

1. non-routine frisk or strip search of staff and visitors; or
2. one or more items are seized.

Contraband/Unauthorized Item Seizure Tags

40. When contraband or unauthorized items are seized as a result of any search, the person conducting the search will complete a Contraband/Unauthorized Item Seizure Tag (CSC/SCC 0482), attach it to each item and place the item in the secure evidence locker or turn it over to the custody of the seizure control officer.

41. When seizing articles of religious significance, the Aboriginal Elder/Spiritual Advisor, Chaplain or representative of a religious group will be consulted as to proper treatment of the items which is respectful of the individual's beliefs. Disposition of these articles is in accordance with CD 568-5 – Management of Seized Items.

Enquiries

42. Strategic Policy Division
National Headquarters
Email: Gen-NHQPolicy-Politi@CSC-SCC.GC.CA

ANNEX A: CROSS-REFERENCES AND DEFINITIONS

CROSS-REFERENCES

• CD 259 – Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke
• CD 559 – Visits
• CD 566 – Framework for the Prevention of Security Incidents
• CD 568-1 – Recording and Reporting of Security Incidents
• CD 568-5 – Management of Seized Items
• CD 702 – Aboriginal Offenders

DEFINITIONS

Belief:

belief is based on an indication or information that an individual is probably (likely) in possession of contraband or evidence of an offence. The difference between suspicion and belief relates to the degree of probability.

Frisk search :

(a) a manual search, or a search by technical means, of the clothed body, in the prescribed manner, and (b) a search of (i) personal possessions, including clothing, that the person may be carrying, and (ii) any coat or jacket that the person has been requested to remove, in accordance with any applicable regulations made under paragraph 96(l) of the CCRA.

Non-intrusive search:

(a) a search of a non-intrusive nature of the clothed body by technical means, in the prescribed manner, and (b) a search of (i) personal possessions, including clothing, that the person may be carrying, and (ii) any coat or jacket that the person has been requested to remove, in accordance with any applicable regulations made under paragraph 96(l) of the CCRA.

Reasonable grounds:

reasonable grounds are required to support a suspicion or belief. In order to be reasonable, the grounds must be:

1. objective (i.e. what other staff members with similar training and experience consider reasonable);
2. clear (i.e. based on verifiable facts or factors rather than just a subjective feeling, hunch or intuition); and
3. related to and supporting a conclusion of suspicion or belief.

Strip search:

(a) a visual inspection of the naked body, in the prescribed manner, and (b) a search, in accordance with any applicable regulations made under paragraph 96(l) of the CCRA, of all clothing, things in the clothing, and other personal possessions that the person may be carrying.

Suspicion:

suspicion is based on an indication or information that an individual possibly possesses contraband or evidence of an offence.

Threat Risk Assessment:

an evaluation of factors that could pose a danger to the management of an offender, the safety of others, or security of an operational unit in particular circumstances.

Visitors:

any person other than an inmate or staff member. This includes official visitors (including observers authorized by the Parole Board of Canada, members of the House of Commons, Senate and Judiciary), lawyers, contractors, inmate visitors and volunteers.

ANNEX B: AUTHORIZED ITEMS LIST FOR STAFF AND OFFICIAL VISITORS

• Health care items

  • May include physical aids (i.e. canes, braces, etc), hearing aids, vision aids, prescription medication, over the counter pain relief/cold and flu, emergency related (i.e. EpiPens, heart, bronchial dilator/inhaler, diabetic monitoring/blood sugar diagnostics), eye contacts and solution

    Note: Medication(s) required for the duration of the shift.

• CSC issued personal equipment (binders, notepads, clothing required to carry out duties) and sports clothing/sports bag
• All government/CSC issued identification
• All government/CSC nationally approved medals or pins or buttons
• Newspapers, magazines, books
• Lunch kit (plastic utensils/cutlery)
• Thermos type bottle
• Personal hygiene items (male and female)
  • Note: No aerosol containers or flammable substances.
• Personal jewellery
• Small briefcase/tote
  • Only when being used in conjunction with CSC business (small briefcase/laptop style or secured file type case – CSC/PBC/OCI)
• CSC/PBC/OCI laptop
  • Only when being used in conjunction with authorized CSC/PBC/OCI/union business or when approved by the Warden for medical purposes
    Note: Must be recorded and signed in and out.
• USB or similar device
  • Only when being used in conjunction with authorized CSC/PBC/OCI/union business with prior authorization from the Institutional Head
    Note: Must be recorded and signed in and out.
• Purses and/or wallets
• Blackberry/cellular phones/pagers and/or tablet type devices for the following persons:
  • Commissioner
  • Regional Deputy Commissioners
  • Wardens
  • Deputy Wardens
  • Assistant Wardens
  • Security Intelligence Officers
  • Doctors
  • Police
  • Emergency Services Personnel

  Note: Devices must be authorized by the Institutional Head and registered with the Assistant Warden, Operations. As well, they must be recorded and signed in and out.

• Tools/tool kits required to perform duties (e.g. plumber, electrician, etc.)
  • Note: Must be recorded and signed in and out.
• Religious, spiritual or cultural articles
  • May include items such as, but not limited to, clothing, reading material, prayer/ritual aids, cultural/religious food, medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage, cedar, fungus, and other ceremonial items such as pipes, drums, etc.
• Other electronic devices
  • With prior authorization from the Institutional Head, may include video recording/camera devices used to conduct official investigations and/or interviews/visits (CSC/PBC/OCI/police agencies, other government departments)

ANNEX C: INSTITUTIONAL SEARCH PLAN – SEARCHING OF STAFF AND VISITORS

*** If contraband or unauthorized items are seized, complete forms Post-Search Report (CSC/SCC 1365) and Contraband/Unauthorized Item Seizure Tag (CSC/SCC 0482).