By the mid-1860s, approximately 11 lockups (generally consisting of two cells) existed in both colonies. Most of them were located in mining communities. Although sentenced offenders were usually housed at the gaols in New Westminster or Victoria, sentences of

about a week’s duration were served in lockups.

A lockup built at Quesnellemouth (ater called Quesnel) in 1865 had a larger than usual capacity. In the building plans, it was described as a wooden structure with measurements of:

..20 X 22 feet ...4 cells with divisions of 2 inch lumber well braced and spiked and frontage of same thickness as sides. Doors of each cell to have a strong iron bolt and a strong larger Padlock—to be different. A bar across each door of cells. Doors to open outward—5 iron gratings on sides of cells.

Lockups were also built at Yale, Osoyoos Lake and Saanich in 1865.

In 1866, the two colonies united to form the colony of British Columbia with Victoria as the capital, Steps were taken to co-ordinate the justice administrations that were earlier established in the two colonies.

Disciplinary problems were evident in the gaols during the colonial period, both with inmates and staff. As an example, the chain gang was

under the supervision of one guard, but the work was not being properly done. Because the chain gang at New Westminster was under the control of the Department of Land and Works, Chartres Brew proposed that a person from this department should be appointed to supervise and direct its work.’? Staff turnover also appeared to be an issue. In May 1869, a gaoler was discharged for neglect of duty and a new gaoler was appointed at New Westminster.

During the colonial period, a system of administering justice was created that included courts and a police and prison department. Institutionalization increasingly became the means of dealing with the offender. Lockups and gaols were haphazardly constructed in response to the flow of people into mining areas. These facilities were part of the evolving justice system and viewed as a necessary development to keep law and order.

Other punishments were corporal punishment, fines, execution and transportation (in at least one instance). Fines were used for minor infractions or in conjunction with imprisonment. Executions occurred only in cases of murder. During this period, no white settlers were executed for murder, although some Indians received capital punishment.

19 Prom a letter to the colonial secretary, August 1, 1866.

Era of Colonial Rule (1849-1870)

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