Research at Correctional Service Canada

Research Branch of the Correctional Service Canada

The Research Branch of the Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is a centralized research unit operating within the Policy Sector at National Headquarters. 

On this page:

• About CSC’s Research Branch
• CSC’s research publications
• Submitting a research proposal
• CSC’s Scientific Integrity Policy
• For more information

About CSC's Research Branch

CSC’s Research Branch is uniquely positioned to provide a relevant, operationally meaningful and targeted program of applied research that is specific to the complex, and evolving Canadian federal correctional environment.

CSC Research Branch undertakes applied social science research in support of:

• correctional operations
• policy development
• management decision-making
• evidence-based practice

CSC’s research publications

CSC’s research publications help make direct links between research findings, implications for our institutions, community sites and the public. Evidence-informed practices help offenders work towards successful reintegration. These practices assist staff in identifying effective strategies to conduct safe and efficient work.

CSC’s Research publication page provides access to one-page summaries and reports on:

• Indigenous offenders
• correctional operations
• community corrections
• correctional programs and interventions
• health and mental health
• substance abuse
• offender profiles and forecasting
• women offenders

Submitting a research proposal

Interested in conducting research at CSC? Researchers affiliated with a university or other research body must submit a research application for review and approval. CSC supports and assists researchers in a number of ways, based on the type of research conducted and the project's scope.

The following documents will provide information relating to the conduct of research involving offenders and/or CSC employees:

• Commissioner's Directive (CD) 009 Research
• Research Application and Undertaking Form

Please contact CSC's Research Branch for more information on the application and review process.

CSC’s Scientific Integrity Policy

The Scientific Integrity Policy (SIP) is a set of principles and guidelines that outline expectations to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in conducting, managing, communicating and using scientific information. It is essential for maintaining the credibility and trustworthiness of science and provides a foundation for ethical research practices and responsible use of scientific knowledge.

CSC’s SIP applies to researchers, scientists, external contractors, collaborators and clients, visiting scientists and students, as well as any person who designs, conducts, communicates, manages, reviews or makes use of research or science related activities.

The purpose of the SIP is to:

• Foster a culture that supports and promotes scientific integrity in the design, conduct, management, review and communication of research, science and relates activities.
• Increase public, employee, and stakeholder trust in the credibility and reliability of research and scientific activities.
• Set out expectations regarding the design, conduct, management, review and communication of research, science and related activities.
• Enhance employee understanding of the contributions of research and science to evidence-informed decision-making

CSC’s Assistant Commissioner, Policy, is the Scientific Integrity Lead.

For more information   

If you have questions about CSC Research, require full PDF reports or would like to receive notification of new research publications please contact us at: research@csc-scc.gc.ca