Deaths in custody

CSC takes the death of an inmate very seriously. Death in custody is a complex and difficult issue and we need to always work to enhance prevention and intervention strategies. CSC is committed to learning from these deaths in custody and to preventing future non-natural deaths.

Whenever a person dies in federal custody, the police and coroner or medical examiner are notified. If the death appears to be of natural causes, we will conduct a mortality review. Circumstances of the death will determine if the coroner or medical examiner will investigate and CSC will hold a National Board of Investigation (BOI).

In 2017, CSC released guidelines giving direction to CSC health care professional and institutional staff in responding to requests from inmates seeking medical assistance in dying. Changes to laws in Canada now allow eligible Canadian adults, including federal inmates, to request medical assistance in dying. CSC’s guidelines are in accordance with eligibility criteria, safeguards and processes outlined in legislation. A formal investigation is not required.

CSC created Death of a Person in the Care and Custody of Correctional Service of Canada: A Guide for Family and Friends to help next of kin.

Reports

• Annual Report on Deaths in Custody 2017-2018 to 2019-2020
• Fifth Independent Review Committee on Non-natural deaths in custody that occurred between April 1st, 2017 to March 31st, 2019
• Annual Report on Deaths in Custody 2016 to 2017
• Fourth Independent Review Committee on non-natural deaths in custody that occurred between April 1st, 2014 to March 31st, 2017
  • Corrective Measures and Management Action Plan
• Annual Report on Deaths in Custody 2015 to 2016
• Annual Report on Deaths in Custody 2014-2015

• Annual report on deaths in custody 2013 to 2014
• Response to the coroner's inquest touching the death of Ashley Smith
• The final report of the Independent Review Committee into federal deaths in custody: 2010 to 2011
• The final report of the Independent Review Committee into deaths in custody: 2009 to 2010

Related links

• Boards of Investigation
• CD 041 - Incident Investigations
• CD 048 - Information Sharing and Provision of Support Services Associated with Coroner’s/Medical Examiner's Death Investigations or Inquests/Inquiries
• CD 568-1 - Recording and Reporting of Security Incidents
• CD 568-4 - Preservation of Crime Scenes and Evidence