Growth and accountability in prisons

While the administrative structure for the
punishment era developed, the number of gaols
and lockups in British Columbia slowly
increased. After Confederation, the Victoria
Gaol was transferred from Victoria Municipal
Police force jurisdiction to the B.C. Provincial
Police force. Because many gaols and lockups
in the province were neglected, inadequately
staffed and lacked space to house prisoners,
there was significant growth of facilities
folowing Confederation.

Between 1871 and 1878, six lockups were built
at Clinton, Comox, Cowichan, Esquimalt,
Cassiar and Osoyoos. Four were newly
established lockups and two replaced existing
facilities. In 1873, John Boyd was appointed the
first government agent and constable for the
district of Kamloops. The courthouse, which
included a gaol constructed of whitewashed
logs, was built at the west end of the settlement.

With new lockups on the scene, and continuing
emphasis on discipline and control, there was
increased momentum to make them
accountable. Select committees and
commissions were more frequently appointed
to visit and inspect the management and
operation of gaols. For example, in 1872, a
commission of inquiry was appointed to

examine the state of the New Westminster
Gaol. The following year, a commission was
appointed to inspect the Victoria Gaol.

Over time, gaols acquired the ability to produce
their own food through farming, and provisions
through shops that were set up to make shoes
and clothing. At the beginning of the era,
however, food and provisions were supplied by
contract. Consequently, provisions to the gaols
were frequently checked.

The first select committee constituted for this
putpose was appointed in 1875. It investigated
a contract awarded at the Victoria Gaol and
examined the quality of goods delivered. The
committee found that the contract was
appropriately awarded to James Pell & Co.
based on information available to the provincial
secretary. The quality of goods delivered was
satisfactory.

It was recommended that the character of the
goods should be frequently and carefully
examined by a government authority. In 1878,
two select committees were appointed to
investigate supplies to the gaols—one for
Victoria and one for New Westminster. Both
committees again found that supplies were
satisfactory.

Chain gangs and prisoners at work

To improve administration and discipline,
regulations governing the conduct of prisoners
were imposed for gaols and lockups in B.C.

Although use of chain gangs dates back to
1859, it was not until September 1878 that an
act was passed providing for the employment

Era of Punishment (1871-1949)

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