Managers in training from Wathem Prison in Abu Dhabi (2000) Photo: Courtesy of Paul Pershick

Review of drug interdiction in
correctional centres

The Corrections Branch hired consultant Bob
Stewart, formet Chief of Police, Vancouver
Police Department “to review how to reduce
the amount of ulicit narcotics entering B.C.
Cotrection Branch adult custodial facilities.
The impetus for the review was a series of

9915

events at one correctional centre, although the
focus of the review was to improve interdiction
measures throughout the system. This review
resulted in a new approach to drug interdiction
that assisted the Corrections Branch in
maintaining a safer environment for staff and
inmates.

In late 1997, policy was clarified with respect to
drug interdiction.’® This policy included
initiatives to prevent the introduction of drugs
and other contraband into correctional centres.
The program involved development of a
consistent approach to gathering intelligence
information, including:

» Protocol agreements with local police
departments to assist with information
sharing and investigation of illegal drug
activity; and

« Development of a computer-based program
that alowed information exchange between
local police and correctional centres.

The Corrections Branch and local police
departments developed memoranda of

15 Bob Stewart, “Review of Drug Interdiction Programs in Correctional Centres,” British Columbia Ministry of

Attorney General, Corrections Branch, 1997.
16 ADM Directive 97:24,

The Era of Directing Change (1997-2001)

245