Commissioner's Directive

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Policy number and title:

COMMISSIONER'S DIRECTIVE 760 - LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Clarification regarding the use of EXACTO knives for the purposes of hobbycraft activities

There have been recent security concerns raised at the National Labour Management Consultation Committee regarding the use of EXACTO knives for hobbycraft activities in maximum security institutions.

Offenders have access to a variety of tools for use in hobbycraft activities. EXACTO knives are currently permitted in cells for this purpose subject to the posting of a Hobbycraft Permit. The permit, which is posted in the cell, identifies the tools and raw materials that are stored in the cell and that can be used for the purpose of hobbycraft activities.

Paragraph 3 of Commissioner's Directive (CD) 760 states: Each institution shall, subject to reasonable limits for protecting the security of the penitentiary or the safety of persons, encourage inmates to:

d. pursue various hobbies and develop knowledge, creativity and skills related to arts and crafts.

In order to mitigate the potential risk of harm to offenders and staff, effective immediately, offenders housed in maximum-security institutions will no longer be permitted to have access to EXACTO knives in their cells for hobbycraft activities. The use and storage of EXACTO knives is now limited to a supervised/designated hobbycraft area.

CD 760 will be amended to reflect the preceding.

Contact:

• Michael Bettman
• Director, Reintegration Programs
• 613-947-9401
• bettmanmd@csc-scc.gc.ca