Policy bulletin 436

Policy Bulletin

This CD was modified as a result of the Commissioner's Directives Standardization Project. It clarifies roles and responsibilities, and gives additional direction to ensure consistent application when processing media requests.

The updated CD outlines specific responsibilities for the Assistant Commissioner, Communications and Engagement, and Communications staff at National and Regional Headquarters.

The CD contains expanded directions on offender interviews. It also clarifies the criteria for assessing an offender's participation in a media interview, and how it relates to his/her Correctional Plan.

The list of designated spokespersons now includes Regional Directors, Communications and Executive Services. As well, there is clarification to all staff on the procedures to follow when a media call is received.

Additional changes include clear instructions on processing media project requests, using the form in Annex B.

There are changes to the procedures, roles and responsibilities surrounding news releases, including timelines for issuing a news release following the death of an offender.

The updated CD also outlines procedures for assessing requests from media representatives who are identified as a contact for an inmate, including assessing those requests under CD 559 – Visits and CD 085 – Correspondence and Telephone Communication, as well as CD 022 – Media Relations.

Finally, there is an expanded definition of media to include social media (Annex A), and direction on responding to social media inquiries.

This policy was updated by the National Headquarters Media Relations team, in collaboration with NHQ Strategic Policy, following national consultations.

The Assistant Commissioner, Communications and Engagement, is the senior communications officer for CSC as well as the Office of Primary Interest (OPI) for this CD. Responsibilities at the various levels (i.e. National and Regional Headquarters, and institutions and districts) are outlined in the policy document.

All CSC staff and offenders involved in activities dealing with the media.

• Lynn Brunette
• Manager, NHQ Media Relations
• 613-992-7711
• media@csc-scc.gc.ca