investigation. The report of the Task Force into
Illicit Narcotic Overdose Deaths in British
Columbia (Cain Report) was presented to the
Attorney General in September 1994.

The Cain Report became public in January
1995. It contained 62 recommendations, 15 of
which were directed to the Ministry of Attorney
General. An inter-ministry group was formed to
co-ordinate a response to the report.

Drug interdiction strategy to reduce flow
of illegal drugs

In 1994, the Corrections Branch introduced a
zero drug tolerance policy as part of a greater
harm reduction strategy. The purpose of zero
tolerance was to enhance the safety of staff and
reduce the risk of infection for inmates. As part
of this program, centres took the following
measures:

» Enhanced staff training in the detection and
interception of drug activities;

» Developed information packages detailing
dangers associated with drug use in
cotrectional centres;

» Increased inspection of living areas for

hidden drugs; and

a Introduced a drug dog detection pilot
project.25
As part of the local implementation of this
strategy, Fraser Regional Correctional Centre
started the internal preventive security officer
(IPSO) program. This program, patterned after
the Correctional Service of Canada’s IPSO
program, gathered intelligence to stop

importation and internal distribution of drugs
within the centre.

Harm reduction committee

The Corrections Branch established a harm
reduction committee in 1995, Its task was to
review procedutes in correctional centres
regarding prevention of infectious diseases.
This included reviewing the suitability of
methadone and needle exchange programs. The
Branch’s Director of Health Services, Dr. Diane
Rothon, chaired the committee of Branch
medical and operational staff.

The goal of the committee was to improve
working conditions for staff by reducing the
incidence of hepatitis, HIV and other highly
contagious diseases in correctional centres. In
September 1996, after a year of study, the
committee submitted its report. Its
recommendations, which senior management
endorsed, included:

» Making methadone maintenance available for
treating adult inmates;

» Ensuring access to bleach for cleaning
injection, piercing and tattooing equipment;
» Implementing a comprehensive drug

interdiction strategy based on zero tolerance;

« Providing universal availability of effective
alcohol and drug treatment programs;

» Providing substance abuse treatment within
adult and youth custody centres;

» Accrediting agencies that deliver alcohol and
drug services within the correctional system; and

25 Dogs were trained in drug detection at a correctional centre in Washington State. There was a relationship both
at an operational and training level between the Branch’s drug dog program and the Correctional Service of
Canada’s program. The CSC program pre-dates the Branch’s program. Staff and managers valued this program.
(Refer to Bob Stewart, “Review of Drug Interdiction Programs in Correctional Centres,” British Columbia
Ministry of Attorney General, Corrections Branch, 1997.)

The Era of Risk Management (1990-1997)

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