567-1: Use of Force

Use of Force Interventions

• All use of force interventions must be reported and reviewed according to established procedures.
• Interventions are managed using the Engagement and Intervention Model (CD 567)
• Staff must be trained on use of force according to established standards.
• Medical components of use of force incidents must also be reported and reviewed (Guidelines for Health Services).

Use of Force Procedures

• Use of force is limited to what is necessary and proportionate.
• Responses are categorized as spontaneous or planned. Spontaneous responses should become planned once the situation is controlled.
• Planned interventions by line staff require authorization from a Correctional Manager (Officer in Charge), verbally or in writing.
• A Statement/Observation Report details the approved plan.
• Sector Coordinators/Correctional Officers/Primary Workers are the primary communicators to Correctional Managers for intervention plan authorization when possible.
• Emergency Response Team planned interventions are authorized by Crisis Managers (SMEAC Action Plan). Regular Correctional Managers can authorize SMEAC plans if time and circumstances prevent a Crisis Manager's approval.
• Documentation of the approved plan (Statement/Observation Report or SMEAC Action Plan) is required when immediate verbal authorization is necessary.
• Consultation with health care professionals is recommended during plan development (inmate health considerations). Relevant information is provided - Inmates' involved, situational factors, and anticipated force.
• Alternatives for accessing health information include the Offender Management System or RADAR if a healthcare professional is not available.
• Staff members involved in recent notable physical assaults/threats should not participate in planned use of force interventions unless critical circumstances necessitate their involvement (documented reasons in intervention plan).
• In spontaneous use of force interventions, staff involvement is limited to what's necessary to control the immediate situation.
• Sector Coordinators take a leadership role in facilitating interventions, transferred to Correctional Managers when present, or Emergency Response Team Leaders when applicable.

Pregnant Inmates

• Prioritizing the safety of pregnant inmates and fetuses before force application.
• Restraint of pregnant inmates must follow relevant guidelines (CD 567-3, CD 843).

Restraints for Health Purposes

• Restraints for self-injurious inmates follow CD 843 guidelines.
• Medical restraint follows Guidelines 800-2.

Video Recording

• Video recording use of force interventions for safety, evidence, and accountability.
• Recording begins at the start of planned interventions.
• Recording starts as quickly as possible during spontaneous interventions.
• Recording occurs when staff reasonably expect force based on inmate history, current compliance, actions, and factors.
• Video operators introduce themselves, and provide a synopsis of the incident.
• Operator gives name and reason when stopping video. If camera stops, restart and narrate information.
• Operator will include detail regarding their role in Statement/Observation Report.
• Pre-intervention staff briefings should be video-recorded when possible.
• Operators position themselves to film inmate and staff interactions.
• Video recording during first aid is allowed except by health professionals (medical treatment –no recording).
• Medical treatment by health professionals is exempt from recording (confidentiality and rights).
• Explanations are required for any planned use of force interventions not recorded at the onset, or spontaneous use of force not recorded immediately.
• Video recording decisions during inmate transport are made in consultation with the Institutional Head or Officer in Charge. Decisions are documented in the SMEAC and a Statement/Observation Report.
• Video recording during transit stops if the inmate becomes problematic.
• Video-recording is not authorized in outside hospitals.

Strip Searches

• Strip searches are conducted by two staff and are recorded under CD 566-7 guidelines.
• Privacy barriers, like half-walls or privacy curtains, are used.
• Only staff involved in search and inmate are shown simultaneously, maintaining privacy.
• Non-compliant strip searches require authorization (no. of staff and equipment).
• The staff member in charge of the intervention manages non-cooperation and force levels.
• Concurrent recording is required.

Decontamination

• Decontamination procedures (Annex B, CD 567-4) are followed when chemical/inflammatory agents are used.
• Handcuffs are removed.
• If necessary during decontamination, direct physical control will be required.
• Rationale for not removing restraints is documented in Statement/Observation Report.
• A Correctional Officer/Primary Worker is present for recording, following strip search protocols respecting privacy and gender.
• Staff continuously monitor inmate well-being and provide interventions.

Post-Use of Force Physical Assessment

• Correctional Manager, Sector Coordinator, or Emergency Response Team Leader briefs health professional(s) on use of force and inmate's response.
• Video-recording is required for briefings.
• Post-use of force physical assessments are offered by health professionals.
• Restraints removed unless deemed otherwise by the Officer in Charge.
• Inmate's physical assessment is video-recorded, and Health professionals provide a video-recorded summary in a private area.
• Treatment (including for self-injurious or suicidal behavior) following physical assessment is not video-recorded.
• If physical assessment is during restraint, a final health check of restraint application areas is conducted in the inmate's cell after restraint removal.
• If a health professional is not available, a first aid/CPR certified staff member briefly assesses and the process is video-recorded.
• Following initial refusal from the inmate for a first aid assessment, another offer is made within an hour; this is governed by the Guidelines for Health Services Responsibilities Related to Use of Force Incidents.
• Staff injuries resulting from use of force follow workplace injury protocols with reporting to supervisors.

Incident Completion

• An incident is considered complete once the inmate is decontaminated, secured, released from restraints (if applicable), and offered/provided a physical assessment.

Post-Incident Debrief

• Correctional Managers debrief with Sector Coordinators and involved staff.
• Incidents are documented in Statement/Observation Reports.
• Inmates are provided with opportunities for verbal or written statements about the intervention.

Reporting Requirements

• Staff members involved complete all required documents.
• All materials and copies are designated as Protected B.
• Health professionals involved document their comments in Statement/Observation Reports.
• The Chief, Health Services, evaluates medical interventions and documents in the Use of Force Review module.

Use of Force Review Module

• The reporting mechanism for use of force interventions is the Use of Force Review module in the Offender Management System.
• Required information uploaded includes all related reports (Statement/Observation Reports, SMEAC Action Plans, etc.), video recordings, and inmate statements (if available).
• Video recordings of pre-intervention negotiations are not required unless they directly impacted the use of force.

Review Process Requirements

• Use of force reviews are assessments against law and policy.
• Reviews are categorized as Level 1, 2, or 3.
• Level 3 (expedited) reviews are required when possible serious violations are flagged within three working days.
• Institutional Head submits a request for an expedited review for possible violations.
• Level 3 reviews are completed within five working days. Level 2 reviews within 20 working days and level 1 reviews within 20 working days.
• Criteria for Level 2 reviews include physical use of chemical/inflammatory.
• National level reviews are part of the level 2 process if applicable.
• Women Offender Sector manages level 2 use of force reviews for female institutions.
• All identified improvements are addressed and documented as action plans in the Offender Management System.
• The Director General, Security, distributes national reviews, as appropriate.
• Clinical, investigation, rights, and labour relations are also informed.

Gender Identity or Expression Considerations

• Policy considerations for inmates with gender identities or expressions will follow Interim Policy Bulletin 584.