NCJ Number
205301
Journal
Forum on Correctional Research Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: December 2003 Pages: 19-20
Editor(s)
Larry Motiuk
Date Published
December 2003
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article briefly examines issues and challenges facing the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) in measuring the performance of security in correctional systems.
Abstract
Good security is key to a safe and secure correctional environment. In order for there to be effective correctional planning and interventions which promote rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, there must be a secure correctional environment. The manner in which corrections agencies collect and manage information related to the security function is both important and complex. There is the need to develop research-based measures that reflect the effective prediction and prevention of incidents before they occur. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has become proficient at recording and reporting security incidents after they occur. It is agreed that this is an important indicator of how well the Service is doing at protecting society, as well as offenders and staff. However, it is equally important to attempt to reduce such incidents to zero through preventative action. There are significant limitations to using incident measures as the sole or primary means to measuring security performance. Even though incident data will continue as an essential component, there is the need for a partnership between the security operations and the research branch to collect and evaluate new types of data about security operations. This data can be used to develop predictive measures based on risk analysis and proactive interventions. In addition, information should be collected on factors, such as assessment of institutional climate and risk. In summation, the end goal is to ensure a safe and secure environment for both staff and offenders, and the prevention of security incidents is the best way to achieve this objective.