Commissioner's Directive

Date:
2011-11-29

Number:
339


Policy number and title:

COMMISSIONER'S DIRECTIVE 081 - OFFENDER COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

Why was the policy changed?

This Commissioner's Directive, last updated in October 2008, has been revised in order to comply with the recommendations of the Policy Review Task Force and to update recent procedures.

In light of these recommendations, the Offender Redress Division initiated a review of CD 081, Offender Complaints and Grievances and the Offender Complaint and Grievance Procedures Manual in an attempt to streamline both documents and provide a complete and cohesive policy framework for the offender complaint and grievance process.

What has changed?

Several changes (technical, structural) have been made to CD 081 and the Offender Complaint and Grievance Procedures Manual:

  • The Offender Complaint and Grievance Procedures Manual has been replaced with Guidelines 081-1, Offender Complaint and Grievance Process;
  • CD 081 and Guidelines 081-1 now include components of offender accountability and methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution as a means of resolving issues between staff and offenders;
  • CD 081 was shortened considerably and now more accurately reflects the process as outlined in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and Regulations;
  • The CD is less process-oriented, and the Guidelines contain the more detailed aspects of the process;
  • Guidelines 081-1 are readily available on CSC's policy site, which was not the case for the Manual.

How was it developed?

The policy was developed by the Offender Redress Division in consultation with Legal Services and the Strategic Policy Division.

Accountabilities?

Commissioner, Regional Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Deputy Commissioners, and Institutional Heads.

Who will be affected by the policy?

Grievance Coordinators/Clerks, Grievance Analysts and other individuals involved in the offender complaint and grievance process, institutional staff, and offenders.

Expected cost?

Nil.

Other impacts?

N/A.

Contact:

  • Brigitte de Blois
  • Director, Offender Redress Division
  • 613-996-2502
  • Brigitte.Deblois@csc-scc.gc.ca