Cell room of South Fort George Jail (1921) BC Archives (D-06587}

Private agencies and experimental programs

In the latter part of this era, community groups
formed to assist offenders by developing
programs within the institutional setting and
folowing release. Many programs started by
these groups later became part of the provincial
correctional system. For example, in 1931, the
John Howard Society of B.C. was established as
an after care and rehabilitation service for
inmates under the Executive Secretary, the Rev.
J.D. Hobden. The John Howard Society
became deeply involved in reforming efforts for

federal and provincial inmates in British
Columbia,

While such community groups were dedicated
to reforms, the military style continued to show
that gaols were oriented to punishment:

In the early thirties, staff members stood
guard still on the low land of Oakalla
complex with long rifles and tunics tightly
buttoned up at the neck in the style of
World War I. Many prisoners stayed in
cells or landings all day, The more

Era of Punishment (1871-1949)

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