Stories of diversity in the workplace : Craig Farrish : Correctional Service Canada

I have worked in the detector dog program for nearly 11 years. Aside from the diversity of amazing dogs (all shades of Labs, Spaniels, Retrievers and the occasional Duck Toller), I have been exposed to a plethora of diversity in both inmates and visitors to our institutions.

The first story occurred about nine years ago when I first deployed to Bath Institution as their dog handler. I was conducting routine cell searches with my partner Ben, who retired five years ago. Upon completion of the cells, I was sitting in the unit office completing paper work and chatting with other officers. An inmate entered the office absolutely livid. He accused me of breaking several tubes of his lip stick and mascara. The inmate was further outraged when I began laughing as I thought it was a joke set up by the other officers. Until this moment I had never met a transgender person, let alone an inmate with gender identity issues.

I soon learned that Bath had three such inmates. I was quickly labelled by these inmates as anti gay. I met with the offender who alleged I had damaged his make-up. I apologized for my seemingly immature response. I then took the time to chat with him and committed that I would do my utmost to retain a professional level of empathy for the significant and specific issues surrounding his, and the other offenders with similar needs. These included various amendments to searching protocol with them, but more importantly we developed a meaningful professional relationship. Without going into details, upon a voluntary transfer this inmate spoke to my then supervisor and stated that I had become one of his favourite officers! I have shared my knowledge and tact toward individuals with gender identity issues with other staff in hopes it will assist them in dealing with these offenders, as well as others in our community.

Since becoming a dog handler, I have had to learn and then modify my searching techniques to respect certain religious requirements. This carries over to all religions, but I am going to discuss Islam specifically.

Back when I first started this job, I had several run-ins with Muslim inmates and visitors who were lodging complaints against me and my four-legged partner. Concerned about the frequency of these complaints, I spoke with an Imam, as well as a friend of mine who is a Muslim. They explained to me that when dog saliva and dog dander gets on religious items, such as prayer mats, holy books or other prayer clothes, that these items may not be used in further prayer.

I immediately altered my searching practices. I had to balance the searching requirements, with the specific needs of the inmates and visitors. In searching cells I always explained to Muslim inmates that the dog would be in their room, and would encourage them to take, or move all religious items to a spot where the dog would not contaminate them. Prior to the items either leaving, or being moved, I would ensure they were searched, there by adhering to security practices, but also respecting the sanctity of the item.

When dealing with visitors, I obtained a large window screen. I would have the visitors who were Muslim hold the screen in front of them while the dog searched them. This allowed the dog to smell the visitor, allowing his search, but also respected their need to remain clean of any contaminant from my partner. Upon implementing these practices these complaints ceased.

Again, I have shared these practices and suggestions with other handlers, other staff and with members of the community. I embrace the diversity I encounter with my role at the Correctional Service of Canada and constantly strive to learn about all our specific groups, to not only to make me a better Officer, but to make me a better person.