Policy Bulletin

Date:
2012-06-13

Number:
349


Policy number and title:

Commissioner's Directive 559 – Visits
(formerly CD 770)

Why was the policy changed?

This Commissioner’s Directive has been revised to reflect changes to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) and other recently passed legislation, to comply with the recommendations of the Policy Review Task Force, and to incorporate information from Case Management Bulletins.

What has changed?

Several technical modifications have been made to the layout of the document. Extensive editing was done to remove extraneous details, to improve clarity of the direction and to focus on staff responsibilities. Among other changes:

  • This directive, which was previously known as CD 770, is now numbered CD 559, the responsibility for this policy having been transferred from Offender Programs to Security.
  • This version of the policy strictly deals with visits; anything related to private family visits has been moved to a stand-alone policy. Therefore, the sections of former CD 770 and Guidelines 770 relating to private family visits, as well as SOP 700-12, were incorporated into a new stand-alone Commissioner’s Directive numbered 710-8.
  • The notion that the entitlements to visits can now be restricted as part of a segregation sanction imposed as a result of a serious disciplinary offence has been incorporated in the policy.

How was it developed?

This policy was updated by the former National Policy Review Team and was the subject of a national consultation. It was then revised collaboratively by the Strategic Policy Division and the Correctional Operations and Programs Sector.

Accountabilities?

The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, is responsible for this policy. Responsibilities for the various levels (i.e. National and Regional Headquarters and institutions) are outlined in the policy document.

Who will be affected by the policy?

Staff involved in the visiting process and inmates.

Other impacts?

Training may be required.

Contact: