May 2, 2013
From Catherine Latimer, Executive Director, John Howard Society
On Remand:
It is good to see the safe conclusion of the strike at the Edmonton Remand Centre. The pressures in our criminal justice system are being felt by many, including the Canadian Bar Association which held a forum in Vancouver last week examining access to justice. It is not surprising that many different sectors in the justice system – sheriffs, probation officers, etc., joined the striking corrections workers. The justice and corrections system is far too big and slow, and core values of justice, efficiency and humanity are being undermined. The announced closure of the prison library at Saskatchewan Penitentiary this past week attracted significant negative comment on social media and was covered on mainstream media as well. Public awareness/concern seems to be increasing.
I find it interesting what Mr. Russell (Cf article referenced below) decided to include from a fairly long conversation about remand. My assessment is that some of the biggest injustices today are in relation to remand. The fact that we are building facilities large enough to house 2,000 people in remand points to some larger problems in the justice and corrections system. Some public education would perhaps help. Given the opportunity to speak to people about remand issues, here are some ideas that might help:
· Remand is where people are held awaiting trial and are not convicted or sentenced for a crime: most are presumed ‘innocent’
· There are more people behind bars in provincial remand facilities than are serving sentences of custody in provincial facilities
· High numbers in remand suggest problems with speed of justice system and with judicial interim release provisions (Bail)
· The conditions of confinement in some remand facilities are the worst in the corrections system – crowded (sometimes triple-bunked) and dangerous
· Those detained are warehoused – no real programs because awaiting trial
· Given that credit for time served in remand reduces the sentence, it is recognized that punishment occurs prior to conviction and sentencing
· Those found guilty receive some compensation for time in remand but those who are not convicted (the innocent) receive no compensation for time in remand
· There is a dubious mix of those awaiting trial (‘presumed innocent’) and parole violators (under sentence) in remand centres
Global News (Toronto) – Andrew Russell
Canada’s most technologically advanced prison marred by strike
http://globalnews.ca/news/523821/canadas-most-technologically-advanced-prison-marred-by-strike
CBC News
New gang recruitment crime bill set to pass Commons -Encouraging someone to join criminal gang could lead to jail time under new law
Bill C-394 is another member’s private bill – Conservative MP Parm Gill (Brampton-Springdale, ON). The Bill makes recruiting for gang membership punishable by five years maximum in prison, six months mandatory for recruiting someone under 18. The Bill has the backing of government and is expected to pass easily, likely Wednesday, the NDP supporting it. The strategy of using a private member’s bill allows the minister to avoid the verification of compliance with the charter. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/05/01/pol-gang-recruitment-bill.html
Sun Sentinel (Florida) – Ariel Barkhurst
Broward Transition Center Report Details Alleged Mistreatment at Immigration Detention Center
A GEO privately run detention center in Florida is generating some controversy after two pro bono lawyers interviewed two years of former inmates and reported on abuses. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/30/report-transition-center-report_n_3183869.html
Manchester Evening News (UK) – Dan Thompson
No justice? 4,000 violent yobs across Greater Manchester ‘let off with slap on wrist’
An earlier communiqué carried a report of over 10,000 criminal cases resolved with RJ practices in the UK. The back-lash and the allegation that RJ is “soft-on-crime” are surfacing in some quarters. http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/no-justice-4000-violent-yobs-3311511
The Gulf Today (UK) – Simon Kelner
Tough on crime, but not so smart about it
Kelner argues that restorative measures make perfect sense by bringing the offender and victim together but that one needs to defer judgment about the effectiveness of RJ and whether offenders are “getting off” until the recidivism rates are in evidence. The RJ processes, once used for minor crimes are now beginning to be used, per force of success, for more serious incidents, even involving violence. http://gulftoday.ae/portal/596e4f0e-2779-44d3-ae31-156b02573032.aspx
Surrey Advertiser (UK) – Andre Langlois
‘Lack of communication’ cited in prison hanging verdict
Yet another death comes in custody after ample warning of mental health issues driving the problems. The coroner’s jury offers poor communication but everyone seemed fully aware of pervasive mental illness and a lack of adequate treatment. Debt from theft repayment obligation played a role as well in the suicide. http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2133396_lack_of_communication_cited_in_prison_hanging_verdict
International Institute for Restorative Practices
16th IIRP World Conference
October 21-23, 2013
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA