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/ to r: Staff member from Abu Dhabi Women’s

Photo: Courtesy of Paul Pershick

understanding to improve the information flow.

Changes were made to visiting areas. New policy restricted visitors in secure custody centres to no physical contact.

In response to this report, a second drug dog was placed on Vancouver Island in early 1997. A third drug-detecting dog and handler became available in June 1999 to work in Lower Mainland correctional centres.

Jon scanners, which detected and identified trace amounts of illegal drugs, were introduced in some centres. Eleven correctional centres had ton scanners to combat illegal drug traffic in cottectional centres in 2000.

In addition to Bob Stewart's review of drug interdiction, the Attorney General released a report by the Investigation, Inspection and Standards Office on the Fraser Regional Correctional Centre. As part of its response to

Prison, B.C. Corrections District Director Beverly Roest, Captain Seleema, Dubai Women’s Prison (2000)

issues and recommendations outlined in these reports, the Corrections Branch instituted a Respectful Workplace program at Praser Regional Correctional Centre (FRCC). The purpose of this program was to resolve long-term conflicts at FRCC through mediated services, and

introduce measures to ensure a healthy workplace.

Complementary measures were undertaken by the ministry to enhance

J

supportive and healthy working environments. It established a senior management Supportive Workplace Action Team. As a result, Corrections Branch management decided to link its existing workplace harassment advisors program to this broader ministry initiative.

Placement and management of illegal migrants

In 1999, the sudden arrival and subsequent detainment of more than 100 illegal Chinese migrants presented a significant challenge for the Corrections Branch at a time when it was already burdened by overcrowding. Adult custody management came together quickly to develop a solution.

Migrants were housed at Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre, Burnaby Correctional Centre for Women, Surrey Pretrial, Vancouver Pretrial, and Alouette River Correctional Centre. In addition, a facility at

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Corrections in British Columbia