chapter 10 provincial corrections Flashcards
What does it mean to be ‘tough on crime?’
Approach based on belief that severe punishment will deter crime.
Prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation.
Penal Populism
Political strategy emphasizing public sentiments on crime and punishment.
Why are ‘tough on crime’ ideas popular?
Fear of Crime: People seek security and believe in deterrence.
Perception of Effectiveness: Simplistic ideas appear effective.
Media Influence: Sensational coverage promotes perception of widespread crime.
Canada’s Tough on Crime Approach
Bill C-10: The Safer Streets and Community Act
Mandatory minimum sentences, harsher penalties for drug and sexual offenses, stricter pardons.
Main Issues with Tough on Crime Policies
Not Evidence-Based: No credible evidence that increasing punishment reduces crime.
Not Cost Effective: High costs of incarceration versus community-based measures.
Disproportionately Impacts Marginalized: Marginalized communities face higher rates of arrest and harsher sentencing.
Impact of Tough on Crime Policies on Provincial Corrections
Increase in mandatory minimum sentences leading to overcrowding.
More offenders sentenced to provincial facilities.
Overcrowding reduces effectiveness of rehabilitative programs.
Provincial Corrections
Provincial corrections manage correctional services at the provincial or territorial level.
Each province/territory has its own system, distinct from the federal system.
Provincial Corrections Responsibilities
Incarceration and Custody: Supervise individuals sentenced for provincial offences.
Sentencing and Probation: Conduct pre-sentence reports, and assess probation eligibility.
Offender Management: Risk assessments, corrective plans, security levels, and programs.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Programs addressing criminal behaviour causes.
Community Corrections: Supervise community sentences, probation, and conditional release.
Legal and Court Liaison: Reports, assessments, case management, and court appearance facilitation.
Purpose of Probation
Allows offenders to stay in school, maintain employment, and care for families.
Less costly and more beneficial than incarceration.
Supervising Probationers
Supervision intensity varies by risk level; low-risk may rarely meet officers, high-risk may require frequent meetings.
Home visits and workplace meetings may be conducted.
Electronic Monitoring (EM)
EM used to track movements as a condition of release, bail, or probation.
Used for high-risk cases or temporary absence from correctional institutions.
RNR Model
Risk, Need, Responsivity
