Policy Bulletin 704

Policy numbers and titles:

Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 566-12 - Personal Property of Offenders

Why were these policies changed?

This policy has been updated to align with the Canadian Human Rights Act, pursuant to the coming into force of Bill C-16 on June 19, 2017, which, among other changes, added “gender identity or expression” as a prohibited ground of discrimination.

Several changes in operational practices have already been implemented, including permitting inmates to purchase effects for men and/or women from the National List of Offender Personal Property. Restrictions to this right are limited to health, safety, or security reasons, as determined by an institution’s classification and security level. The requirement to consult with a Psychologist or Physician to obtain authorization for such purchases has been removed from policy.

CSC has developed the tool Gender Diverse Offenders: A Decision-Making Guide to assist staff in meeting the needs of gender diverse offenders while ensuring a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all offenders in the application of CSC policies.

CSC is committed to creating a non-binary national list of personal property for all offenders.

What has changed?

Annex B - National List of Personal Property for Men Inmates and Annex C - National List of Personal Property for Women Inmates, in CD 566-12, have been revoked.

A tool entitled “National List of Offender Personal Property” was created. This national list is organized by the security level - maximum, medium and minimum - of the institution/unit and also includes the items that may be permitted at the discretion of the Institutional Head.

Additional changes made to this policy document include linguistic modifications and increases in the combined dollar value of allowable items in an inmate’s possession.

How were they developed?

The Security Operations Division revised and developed the National List of Offender Personal Property, in collaboration with the Strategic Policy Division and in consultation with other sectors at National Headquarters and the regions. Full consultations were also held with internal and external stakeholders, including Inmate Committees.

Accountabilities?

N/A

Who will be affected by the policies?

All offenders, as well as staff involved with managing offender personal property.

Other impacts?

Changes will be required to the Offender Personal Property module in the Offender Management System Renewal. These changes will be incorporated in the next Offender Management System release currently scheduled for December 2023.

Contact

Strategic Policy Division

Policy-Politiques.GEN-NHQ@csc-scc.gc.ca

Commissioner,
Anne Kelly