Interim Policy Bulletin 607

Policy number and titles:

Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 705-7 - Security Classification and Penitentiary Placement
CD 710 - Institutional Supervision Framework
CD-710-6 - Review of Inmate Security Classification

Why were the policies changed?

Pending updates and promulgation of the individual policy documents listed above, the following policy changes are in effect. The amendments were made to enhance and strengthen the role of the Deputy Commissioner for Women in policies and processes that impact inmates in women offender institutions. 

What has changed?

The following policy direction is effective immediately:

CD 705-7 – Security Classification and Penitentiary Placement

The Deputy Commissioner for Women, in cases of inmates incarcerated in a women’s institution/unit, and when supported by the Regional Deputy Commissioner, is the final decision maker for:

• initial classification to other than maximum security, for an inmate serving a life sentence for first or second degree murder, or an inmate convicted of a terrorism offence punishable by life
• initial classification of a Dangerous Offender to minimum security.

CD 710 – Institutional Supervision Framework

The Deputy Commissioner for Women, in cases of inmates incarcerated in a women’s institution/unit, and when supported by the Regional Deputy Commissioner, is the final decision maker for:

• the reclassification to medium security of an inmate serving a life sentence for first or second degree murder, or an inmate convicted of a terrorism offence punishable by life, who is currently classified as maximum security, prior to the first security classification review
• the reclassification of a Dangerous Offender to minimum security.

CD 710-6 – Review of Inmate Security Classification

The Deputy Commissioner for Women, in cases of inmates incarcerated in a women’s institution/unit, and when supported by the Regional Deputy Commissioner, is the final decision maker for:

• the reclassification to medium security of an inmate serving a life sentence for first or second degree murder, or an inmate convicted of a terrorism offence punishable by life, who is currently classified as maximum security, prior to the first security classification review
• the reclassification of a Dangerous Offender to minimum security.

The Regional Deputy Commissioners who recommend a security classification as noted above are to send recommendations to the DCW to: 100-WOS Security Classifications - SD Cotes de sécurité.

How were they developed?

These changes were developed by the Women Offender Sector in collaboration with the Reintegration Operations Division and in consultation with the Strategic Policy Division.

Who will be affected by the policies?

The Deputy Commissioner for Women, Regional Deputy Commissioners, and staff responsible for preparing recommendations per the above-noted Commissioner’s Directives. 

Interim Commissioner,

Original signed by:

Anne Kelly

Date modified:

2023-06-12