566-4: Counts and security patrols

Authorities

• Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA), sections 3, 3.1, 4, 5(a), 19 to 21, 46 to 58, 65 to 70, 97, and 98
• Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR), sections 4, 43 to 53, and 57 to 58

Purpose

To provide direction on counts and security patrols in order to:

• verify that offenders are alive and breathing and to monitor their well-being during counts and security patrols of accommodation areas
• monitor and verify the whereabouts of offenders, the appropriateness of behaviour, and the security of the institution
• ensure the safety of staff, visitors, offenders, and the protection of society, while promoting positive informal interaction between staff and offenders

Application

Applies to staff responsible for counting offenders and conducting security patrols in all institutions, including Community Correctional Centres (CCC), as noted.

Responsibilities

1. The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, will establish the minimum standards for counts and security patrols and quality assurance protocol.

2. The Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Correctional Operations, will ensure:
   1. the implementation of the minimum standards for counts and security patrols, and 
   2. a random selection of security patrols or counts for each range and/or unit and Community Correctional Centre (CCC) in their region is reviewed monthly and will report any concerns or policy gaps to the Regional Deputy Commissioner

Procedures

3. The Assistant Warden, Operations, and Manager, Operations, will ensure:
   1. a Standing Order is in place, as outlined in Annex B and authorized by the Institutional Head, that:
      1. details the specific procedures, frequency, and minimum number of formal counts, informal counts, stand-to counts and security patrols in inmate accommodation areas, other areas of the institution (including private family visit units) and during sacred ceremonies, and

      2. establishes quality assurance procedures for inmate counts and security patrols to ensure the presence of a living, breathing body and the well-being of the inmates

   2. a register is maintained of all inmates who are confined to the institution (the register must indicate the inmate’s name, FPS number, and cell/room assignment) and a list is maintained of all inmates on the register but not in the institution (e.g., inmates in outside hospital, on court order, on bail, or unlawfully at large)
   3. a list of inmates assigned to each work or activity area is maintained and updated as required, and
   4. appropriate action is taken, in accordance with institutional contingency plans, when an inmate is unaccounted for.
4. The Manager, CCC, will ensure:
   1. a Standing Order is in place, as outlined in Annex D and authorized by the District Director, that:
      1. details the specific protocols, frequency, and minimum number of formal counts, informal counts and security patrols in both offender accommodation areas and other areas of the CCC, and

      2. establishes protocols for the quality assurance procedures for offender counts and security patrols

   2. the Standing Order for counts and security patrols is adhered to in accordance with the minimum standards as outlined in Annex D
   3. there is an up-to-date register of offenders assigned to the CCC, including those with “in” and “out” privileges and curfews, and
   4. at least two counts in the CCC are conducted during each 24-hour period, one of which must be at 24:00 hours.
5. The Correctional Manager, Operational Desk, will:
   1. ensure inmate counts and security patrols are completed and verified as required, and
   2. approve a plan and authorize the use of enhanced security equipment (e.g., a shield) to conduct counts and security patrols when situational factors and/or inmate behaviours prevent these from being performed in the prescribed manner.
6. As part of normal operations, the Correctional Manager will conduct a security patrol with staff on a daily basis to ensure quality of patrols.
7. The Correctional Officer/Primary Worker will:
   1. ensure the presence of a living, breathing body and verify the well-being of the inmates during counts and security patrols
   2. record formal counts in writing and sign the Inmate Count Slip (CSC/SCC 0755)
   3. inspect the naloxone kit while completing their rounds and/or counts in non-staffed areas, as defined in the Standing Order, and
   4. immediately advise the Correctional Manager, Operational Desk, of situational factors and/or inmate behaviours that prevent the completion of counts and security patrols in the prescribed manner.
8. The Chief, Health Services (or equivalent), will provide a list of names of inmates who are unable to respond to a stand-to count due to health conditions or physical limitations.
9. Staff involved in correctional programs and interventions will ensure they routinely conduct informal counts throughout the duration of their activities.
10. Inmates must be appropriately clothed during counts.
11. Informal counts will be conducted on an as needed basis. This does not apply to CCCs.
12. When an officer is counting an inmate who is hospitalized in a CSC Regional Hospital whose physical condition precludes any visible response, health care staff will confirm that the inmate is breathing.
13. Inmates will be counted prior to the release of vehicles from the sally port in situations where vehicles cannot be thoroughly searched and are not escorted. This does not apply to CCCs.

Formal Counts (Excluding CCCs)

14. A minimum of four formal counts during each 24-hour period will be conducted at each institution, which will include:
    1. two stand-to counts at multi level, maximum, and medium security institutions, or
    2. one stand-to count at minimum security institutions.
15. A formal count will be conducted of inmates and their visitors participating in private family visits, at least four times in a 24-hour period, at times that are reasonable and respectful of inmates and their visitors. This count must be visual and without obstruction.
16. During a formal count, inmates will:
    1. be counted by two Correctional Officers/Primary Workers
    2. in multi level, maximum, and medium security institutions:
       1. return to their cell, unless otherwise prescribed in a Standing Order, and

       2. remain in their cell until the count is verified correct

    3. in minimum security institutions and minimum/medium housing units for women offenders, remain in the same area until the institutional count is verified correct.
17. Exemptions may be made when inmates can be counted without the necessity of returning to their cell. Any exemptions must be authorized by the Correctional Manager, Operational Desk.
18. Formal counts will be conducted in accordance with instructions in Annex C.

Stand-to Counts (Excluding CCCs)

19. At multi level, maximum, and medium security institutions, there will be a minimum of two stand‑to counts. One of the stand-to counts will be completed between the hours of 18:00 and 24:00 hours.
20. At minimum security institutions, one stand-to count will be completed between the hours of 18:00 and 24:00 hours.
21. Inmates unable to respond to a stand-to count due to health conditions will signal to staff through an alternative means, normally a hand signal.

Counts in CCCs

22. Staff will conduct, at a minimum, two counts during each 24-hour period, one of which will be at 24:00 hours. During each count, the presence of a living, breathing body will be ensured and the well-being of the offender will be verified. All counts will be documented on the Resident Count Sheet (CSC/SCC 1296).
23. Where it may be necessary to accommodate a woman offender in a CCC, a woman staff member must complete counts after curfew (or 23:00 hours, whichever is earlier) until at least 07:00 hours.
24. The CCC Sign In/Sign Out Sheet (CSC/SCC 1297) will be used to record each resident's departures and arrivals. This form will be used to ensure all residents are accounted for. The privacy of offender information will be safeguarded.

Discrepancies in Counts

25. Discrepancies in counts will be immediately reported to the Correctional Manager, Operational Desk.
26. Until the count is verified and confirmed, no one will enter or leave the institution unless authorized by the Correctional Manager, Operational Desk. Procedures set out in CD 568-1: Recording and Reporting of Security Incidents will be initiated as necessary. This does not apply to CCCs.
27. When an offender is unaccounted for at a CCC, the necessary checks will be done, and the procedures set out in CD 568-1: Recording and Reporting of Security Incidents will be initiated as necessary.

Standards for Security Patrols

28. At multi level, maximum, and medium security institutions, and both the Secure Units and Structured Living Environments at women’s institutions, the security patrols in inmate accommodation areas will be as frequent as possible but must be at least once every 60 minutes from the beginning of the last patrol. The timing, starting point, and direction of each patrol must be varied to ensure it does not become routine or predictable. Staff will record any security patrols that are beyond the prescribed timeframes in a Statement Observation Report.
29. Except in women’s institutions, an additional security patrol must be conducted between the hours of 23:00 and 07:00 hours at multi level, maximum, and medium security institutions/units. The timing of this additional patrol must be varied to ensure it does not become routine or predictable.
30. At minimum security institutions (excluding CCCs), Healing Lodges/Healing Villages, and women’s institutions other than in the Secure Units and Structured Living Environments, patrols of accommodation areas will be within 120 minutes from the beginning of the last patrol. The timing, starting point, and direction of each patrol must be varied to ensure it does not become routine and predictable.
31. At CCCs, staff on the day and evening shifts will periodically verify that the offenders in the facility are accounted for and according to the frequency established in the Standing Order.
32. During security patrols, staff will ensure the presence of a live breathing body and verify the well‑being of the inmates. In situations where it is not possible for staff to ascertain if the inmate is alive and not in distress, they will interact with the inmate in a manner consistent with CD 566: Framework for Safe and Effective Correctional Environments and CD 567:  Management of Incidents to verify their well-being.
33. If situational factors, including inmate behaviours, prevent the Correctional Officer/Primary Worker from being able to conduct a count or security patrol in the prescribed manner, it will be conducted in accordance with CD 567: Management of Incidents. Where time and circumstances permit, the following procedures will be applied:
    1. the Correctional Manager, Operational Desk, will be immediately informed
    2. the Correctional Manager, Operational Desk, will authorize a plan that will include the deployment of a minimum of three Correctional Officers/Primary Workers
    3. a fourth Correctional Officer/Primary Worker will be equipped with a video camera, and
    4. the plan must be documented in a Statement Observation Report.
34. Staff in all institutions, excluding CCCs, will record irregular activities and observations in an Statement Observation Report.
35. Staff in CCCs will use the duty log to record their verifications and any irregular activities and observations.
36. During security patrols, the Correctional Officer/Primary Worker or Correctional Manager/CCC staff will be provided with, and use, a means of communicating with their co-workers.
37. Where there is a heightened need to observe an inmate, special procedures will be detailed in the unit log book and will be followed by all staff.
38. The data from the electronic or written register of all security patrols will be reviewed by a Correctional Manager every 24 hours, at minimum, to determine compliance and quality (this does not apply to CCCs). The review will assess:
    1. the frequency and duration of the security patrols
    2. any patrols which were not completed
    3. all Statement Observation Reports submitted regarding security patrols
    4. any irregularities, and
    5. the need for any follow-up action.

Women's Instutions

39. In women offender institutions, all security patrols will be conducted in accordance with CD 577: Staff Protocol in Women Offender Institutions, including in emergency situations.
40. As it relates to children participating in the Institutional Mother-Child Program, security patrols and formal counts will be conducted in accordance with CD 768: Institutional Mother-Child Program.

Enquiries

41. Strategic Policy Division
    National Headquarters
    Email: Gen-NHQPolicy-Politi@csc-scc.gc.ca

Annex A: Cross-References and Definitions

Cross-references

CD 001: Mission, Values and Ethics Framework of the Correctional Service of Canada

CD 004: National Standards for the Deployment of Correctional Officers

GL 005-1: Institutional Management Structure: Roles and Responsibilities

CD 100: Gender Diverse Offenders

CD 228: Information Management

CD 351: Employee Clothing Entitlements

CD 352: Inmate Clothing Entitlements

CD 566: Framework for Safe and Effective Correctional Environments

CD 567-1: Use of Force

CD 567-2: Use of and Responding to Alarms

CD 568-1: Recording and Reporting of Security Incidents

CD 577: Staff Protocol in Women Offender Institutions

CD 600: Management of Emergencies in Operational Units

CD 706: Classification of Institutions

CD 714: Community Correctional Centre Standards

CD 768: Institutional Mother-Child Program

CD 800: Health Services

Definitions

CCC Count

A process by which each offender residing in a CCC is accounted for. Staff will verify the presence of a living, breathing body and verify the well-being of the offender. The results are recorded in an official record.

Formal Count

A process by which each inmate is accounted for. A minimum of two staff members will ensure the presence of a living, breathing body and verify the well-being of the inmate. The results are recorded in an official record.

Informal Count

A process by which an inmate is accounted for during a specific time and/or activity, without disrupting their activities.

Security Patrol

Observation of designated areas of the institution to ensure the security of the institution and the well-being of inmates/offenders. During security patrols in accommodation areas, the presence of a living, breathing body must be ensured and the well-being of the inmate/offender must be verified.

Staff

For the purpose of this Commissioner’s Directive, “staff” includes all CSC employees, as well as others such as contractors, who directly interact with offenders.

Stand-to Count

A formal count of inmates in a standing position, facing the counting staff member to ensure facial identification is made, except in cases where exemptions for health conditions or physical limitations have been identified.

Annex B: Minimum Requirements for Standing Orders on Counts and Security Patrols (Excluding CCCs)

The Standing Order will identify:

• `the number and type of counts to be conducted (e.g., stand-to counts, formal, informal)
• the times the counts are to be conducted
• the requirement for a Correctional Officer/Primary Worker to carry a pen-light or issued flashlight during security patrols and counts
• the procedures for ensuring the quality of security patrols and counts, recognizing the requirement to ensure the presence of a living, breathing body, and the well-being of the inmates, during every security patrol/count
• the procedures for counting inmates/visitors in private family visit units
• the requirements for a Correctional Manager to participate in a security patrol on a daily basis as part of normal operations to promote effective and quality patrols. Security patrols may be completed by one or more Correctional Managers or Managers. If a patrol cannot be conducted, the reasons why are to be documented in a Statement Observation Report
• that Correctional Officers/Primary Workers will inspect the naloxone kit in accommodation units where there are no dedicated staff while completing their rounds, and if the kit has been opened/tampered with, they will advise the Correctional Manager and report the observation in a Statement Observation Report
• the procedures for counting inmates participating in sacred ceremonies or activities
• which staff is responsible for counts of certain areas
• the procedures to report and record results of counts and security patrols
• the procedures for reporting discrepancies in counts and security patrols
• the chain of custody process for data collectors
• that procedures to assess data from security patrols are to be completed every 24-hour period to identify:
  •     the duration of the security patrol
  • patrols which were not completed
  • any irregularities
  • need for follow-up action
• how to identify limitations and exemptions associated with formal and stand-to counts
• special procedures where there is a need for heightened observation
• requirements related to the gender diverse inmate(s) (if applicable)
• that unless a situation or observation is serious (e.g., life threatening), the completion of the count is to take priority over other issues, and
• *at women’s institutions only* - that procedures for counting children who are participating in the Institutional Mother-Child Program are pursuant to CD 768: Institutional Mother-Child Program.

Annex C: Formal Counts of Inmates (Excluding CCCs)

The Correctional Manager, Unit/Correctional Officer/Primary Worker will:

• advise inmates that a count is about to take place, and
• ensure accuracy and provide for a measure of staff safety - unless otherwise stated in Post Orders, two Correctional Officers/Primary Workers will count the same range/accommodation area at the same time.

The Correctional Officer/Primary Worker conducting the count will:

• carry a pen-light or issued flashlight while making counts
• carry assigned security material (e.g., CPR pocket mask), as required
• verify a living, breathing body is present in the cell/room/area and assess the inmate's well‑being
• in the case of security patrols and formal counts in women offender institutions where children are present, pursuant to CD 768: Institutional Mother-Child Program, the Primary Worker will ensure the child(ren)'s presence and well-being is verified during each of the security patrols and formal counts of inmates. Unless it is necessary to verify the health or well-being of the child(ren), they will not normally be awoken and/or required to stand (e.g., during stand-to counts)
• immediately advise the Correctional Manager if a life-threatening situation is identified
• as part of every stand-to count, ensure each inmate presents themselves in a standing unsupported position with the exception of those unable to stand as per the Stand-to counts (excluding CCCs) section of this directive
• verify that every inmate is in their assigned cell/room or other specifically authorized location on site
• mark down the cell/room number of any unoccupied/empty cell(s)/room(s), mark down the total number of living, breathing inmates who are observed and identify the range or accommodation area where they were counted
• complete and sign without delay the formal count slip, and
• ensure the count slip is provided to the Correctional Manager conducting the formal count.

Annex D: Minimum Requirements for Standing Orders on Counts and Security Patrols for CCCs

The Standing Order will identify:

• the number and type of counts to be conducted (e.g., stand-to counts, formal, informal)
• the times the counts are to be conducted
• the procedures for counting offenders participating in activities
• which staff members are responsible for counts
• the procedures to report and record results of counts and security patrols
• the procedures for discrepancies in counts and security patrols
• the special procedures where there is a need for heightened observation, and
• the gender identity or expression requirement of counts (if applicable).