Protective Custody - The Emerging Crisis Within the Prison System

• NCJ Number: 105512
• Author(s): M-C Tellier; J S Wormith; P Gendreau
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 52 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Canada Solicitor General
• Sale Source: Canada Solicitor General; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: Programs Branch User Report No. 1984-86

Annotation

This paper provides a detailed review of the literature pertaining to protective custody (PC).

Abstract

Current protective custody policies in Canada (Federal and in Ontario) are delineated. The growth in the rate of PC in Canada is noted, and the contributions of changes in prisons, offender profiles, and the criminal justice system are discussed. Reasons for seeking PC are delineated, and the PC inmate is profiled. In general, these inmates are more likely to be sex offenders and to exhibit psychopathological characteristics. Some of the characteristics of PC accommodations in Canada are described. Issues relating to the legal rights and quality of life of PC inmates are discussed. Negative staff attitudes toward PC duties are noted, and their possible effects on programming are discussed. Finally, programs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to limit the use of PC and to manage PC inmates are described.