First site of the Justice
Institute at Jericho
Beach, Vancouver
(date: unknown)
Photos: Justice

Justice Institute atrium (2003) Institute of B.C.

New home of the Justice Institute (2003)

Changes in the workplace

Technology

The advancement of technology during the
1990s had a tremendous impact on the work of
Corrections Branch staff. Greater efficiencies
were achieved through:

» Integration of information systems that were
previously separate;

« Improved access to justice and family
information;

» Monitoring compliance to orders by
offenders;

» Availability of tools to assess operations and
outcomes of programs and services;

» Improved security surveillance systems; and

» Access to services for offenders.

The use of technology affected the operation of
correctional centres. High-tech security devices
replaced perimeter surveillance by “prowling”
officers and dogs. Video technology reduced
administration and transport costs by allowing
inmates to appear before the judge on video
when setting dates for preliminary inquiries or
trial, Electronic monitoring used radio
frequency (RF) technology.

In 1992, the Branch introduced hand-held
alcohol screening devices for use in
community-based and electronic monitoring
programs. These devices provided on-the-spot
detection of alcohol consumption.

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Corrections in British Columbia