About two years ago the Ministry of Correctional Services for Ontario brought out a new policy concerning the use of force in
Correctional Institutions. This policy (never posted anywhere for people to see) told managers that they are to call the police every
time there is a use of force in their institutions. The police are to show up and ask the inmate if he/she wants to press charges
against the officers involved.
A use of force is virtually any physical contact with an inmate. This includes handcuffing, directing them by the arm, holding them
back from fighting another inmate etc. In each case the police are to be called and the inmate is asked if he/she wants to press
charges against the Correctional Officers.
Now the Ombudsman is involved. They have seen a rise in complaints about the use of force. NO KIDDING!! If the inmates are
asked if they want to press charges against the Correctional Officers every time force is used then naturally the complaints are
going to skyrocket.
Nothing has changed in Correctional Institutions. There is no "Spike" in the use of force. Ministry documents show that most uses
of force have no injuries. Why then are the police being called and the inmate is being asked if they want to lay charges against
us?
Correctional Officers have rules and regulations concerning the use of force. We are bound by the Ministry rules as to when force
can be used. We are also bound by the Criminal Code of Canada concerning the use of force.
Why are the police not treated the same way? They are peace officers the same as us. Why doesn't SIU ask everyone the police
arrest if they want to charge the police?
The Ministry of Corrections needs to change the policy. The police should only be called if the inmate asks for them to be called.
He/she should not be encouraged to call by management.
Officers are being suspended for no reason. Management is trying to show the Ombudsman that they are going after anyone who
uses force in our institutions. This is crazy!! The reason we are given guidelines for the use of force is because it is a reality in
our jails and correctional centers. Let us do our jobs! Stop wasting time and money on frivolous investigations! Stop using these
investigations as a way to attack the Union leadership!