Policy Bulletin

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Policy number and title:

COMMISSIONER'S DIRECTIVE 567-1 - USE OF FORCE

Why was the policy changed?

The policy was changed following a policy review.

What is new/changed?

A significant portion of CD 567-1 has been changed, altered, or added to. Some of the more important changes are as follows:

• The definition of what constitutes a "use of force".
• The ability of Correctional Managers, Crisis Managers and/or the Institutional Head to develop an "Intervention Plan" using line staff to manage a situation.
• Incorporation of the content of the Security Bulletin on Expedited Reviews and update of the definition of this type of review.
• The definition of the threshold for an expedited review (paragraph 47).
• Incorporation of the content of the Security Bulletin on Use of Force on Pregnant Inmates.

As well, changes will correspondingly be required to a number of other CDs and documents, as follows:

• Revision of CD 567-4 - Use of Chemical Agents and Inflammatory Sprays is required to provide a new definition of "use".
  • Use of OC/CS will be defined as:
    1. the pointing of a 37 mm gas gun or ISPRA model 5 Projectajet, at or towards an individual;
    2. the pointing of the MK III, MK IV, MK V, MK IX and/or MK 46 at or towards an individual in conjunction with verbal warnings in an attempt to gain the cooperation of an inmate(s). The act of pointing a delivery system identified in this section in and of itself is not considered a "use";
    3. the discharge of any chemical or inflammatory agent in relation to a security incident.
• Revision of CD 567-5 - Use of Firearms is currently underway to clarify the definition of "use".
  • In relation to "use of force", "displaying" and "charging" a firearm will no longer meet the definition of "use" of a firearm.
• Revision of CD 567-3 - Use of Restraint Equipment for Security Purposes to clarify that soft restraints can be used for security purposes when needed.
• Revision of CD 844 - Use of Restraint Equipment for Health Purposes.
  • In cases of self-harm, preservation of life is paramount, and staff must intervene as soon as possible.
  • Introduce the need for staff to recognize that the section of the Situation Management Model (SMM) which relates to "grievous bodily harm or death" is applicable when confronted with a situation of "self-harm" and "suicide".
  • In cases where a physically uncooperative inmate must be placed in soft restraints to prevent or stop self-harm:
    • following placement in those restraints, the use of force is deemed complete once the physical assessment has been conducted as per CD 567-1;
    • video-recording stops at this point;
    • protocol for monitoring and assessment of these inmates, as detailed in CD 844, comes into effect.
• Reinforcement in policy of the current Guidelines for Health Services Responsibilities Related to Use of Force Incidents that allow for the use of certified First Aid Attendants, in the absence of a Health Care Practitioner, to conduct post use of force first aid assessments. A decision, on whether or not an institution will adopt this practice, is at the discretion of the Institutional Head.
• Updating of the Guidelines for Health Services Responsibilities Related to Use of Force Incidents.
• Updating of the Camera Operator Presentation.

How was it developed?

It was developed in consultation with and cooperation from all affected partners including the regions, Clinical Services, Legal Services and the Strategic Policy Division.

Accountability?

All CSC management and staff responsible for responding to use of force incidents. All CSC management and staff at the institutions, Regional Headquarters and National Headquarters, responsible for reviewing use of force incidents.

Who will be affected by the policy?

All CSC management, staff and inmates involved in use of force incidents and their review. All CSC staff responsible for preparing and providing training relevant to the management of, and response to incidents.

Expected cost?

Possible costs associated with altering training and course material and with providing additional training, if and where necessary.

Other impacts?

An expected reduction of the number of incidents across all regions that meet the definition of a Use of Force.

Contact:

• Liz Bongers
• Security Branch, NHQ
• 613-947-8431
• bongersem@csc-scc.gc.ca