Chapter 9 Chapter Summary

In Canada there are two separate correctional systems; provincial and federal. The provincial system (comprised of the provinces and territories) is responsible for inmates on remand, short-term inmates and offenders in the community.  When considering the punishment of wrongdoers most of the public’s attention is focused on getting tougher on criminals by way of custodial sentences even though only a small fraction of offenders serve time in a correctional institution. The provincial correctional system is described as the core of Canada’s criminal justice system as it serves as a transfer point for police, mental health services and federal prisons. A key component of the provincial system is probation services. In fact, probation services handles twice as many offenders serving their sentence on probation than remanded or sentenced inmates incarcerated. Although the public tends to form negative views about community corrections based on the unsuccessful probationers (those who commit serious or violent crimes while being supervised in the community) most offenders successfully complete the conditions of their probation without incident.

The chapter gives provides a thorough description of probation and provincial corrections beginning with a description of the evolution of probation in Canada. That is followed by an overview of provincial and territorial corrections that includes a description of both the facilities and the characteristics of inmate population. Key challenges that correctional officers confrontare presented and strategies for dealing with these issues of safety and security are discussed.

This chapter also outlines the benefits, challenges, and potential drawbacks of supervising offenders in the community. It discusses the need for developing specialized caseloads for challenging populations (as this would provide more effective supervision) and promoting training for probation officers,

Research has consistently demonstrated that correctional interventions are effective if they are based on the risk-need-responsivity approach. If the needs of the offender are carefully managed in the community and if offenders receive the right types of support, then their return to the community is more likely to be successful. The end goal is that we want offenders to have a greater stake in society by working, going to school, and maintaining strong relationships with their families and neighbours. All Canadians should have an interest in ensuring that offenders that are currently being supervised in the community have a smooth transition that reduces their likelihood of recidivism.