Institutional security
Correctional Service Canada (CSC) provides a safe and secure place where inmates can focus on changing their behaviour and becoming law-abiding citizens.
CSC’s policies allow the use of security-related technologies and methods to protect the safety and security of our institutions, inmates, staff and visitors.
On this page
- Preventing the introduction of contraband (including drugs) and unauthorised items
- Searching
- Security intelligence
- Dynamic security
- Offender property
- Related links
- Policy related links
Preventing the introduction of contraband (including drugs) and unauthorised items
Preventing and reducing contraband and unauthorised items in correctional institutions is a priority for CSC.
Contraband is any item that jeopardizes the safety and security of an institution such as illicit drugs, weapons and cellphones. Unauthorized items are less serious and can include things like inmate property that has not been properly registered.
At the main entrances of institutions, correctional officers use detection methods to make sure that contraband, and unauthorised items do not enter the institution.
Unauthorized drones operating near our institutions can also pose a risk to the safety and security of the institution, staff and inmates.
Learn more about what we are doing to respond to drones:
Taking action against illegal drone activity
In March 2025, CSC received an exemption order from the Radiocommunication Act, which allows CSC to use radiofrequency jammers under prescribed conditions, to enhance the safety and security of our institutions. This opportunity complements our existing layered approach to contraband mitigation, including responding to drones and cell phones, supporting our ongoing and sustained public safety efforts.
Searching
Thorough search procedures are in place at all CSC institutions across the country. Staff members, inmates and anyone visiting a CSC institution are searched using different methods. These may include:
- metal detectors
- ION scanners
- x-ray machines
- body scanners
- detector dog teams
- visual inspections
- ferromagnetic detectors
Visitors should make sure:
- any bags are as free from clutter as possible
- they do not have any unauthorised items in their pockets
Vehicles entering an institutional area, including the parking lots, are subject to search. All vehicles entering the institution itself will be searched inside and out for contraband or unauthorised items.
Correctional officers also patrol the perimeter of the institutions, looking for suspicious behaviour.
Inmates’ cells and common areas in and around the institution are regularly searched. Inmates may be subject to strip searches, frisk searches, or non-intrusive searches when entering or leaving the institution or certain areas in the institution.
Inmates may also be subject to drug testing, including urinalysis.
Tips from the public about contraband can be made by speaking with CSC staff or by calling the CSC tipline at 1-866-780-3784. Information from the public is an important mechanism for mitigating the introduction of contraband and unauthorized items in an institution.
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Security intelligence
The Security Intelligence Program is the heart of CSC's intelligence and information network. The program allows CSC staff to receive and share vital intelligence information with partner agencies – provincially, nationally and internationally.
There are two main positions within the program:
- Security Intelligence Officers
- Security Intelligence Analysts
Security Intelligence Officers in institutions and the community collect, analyse and disseminate information from multiple sources.
Security Intelligence Analysts at CSC’s regional and national headquarters transform raw data into key insights, assist in investigations and disseminate intelligence information.
These roles and the program support CSC’s operations by providing timely, accurate and relevant information to make strategic decisions and address threats and risks.
CSC is continuing to modernize and pursue different technologies for preventive security and intelligence purposes.
Dynamic security
Dynamic security is regular and consistent interaction between staff and inmates. It’s an important part of preventing violence and providing safe correctional environments. Through dynamic security, CSC staff can:
- better evaluate the climate of an institution
- notice changes in an inmate’s behaviour
- develop a level of trust and confidence with inmates
Offender property
Depending on the level of security of institutions, inmates are allowed to keep authorized personal items in their cell including:
- clothing
- musical instruments
- literature
To ensure the safety and security of Canadians, CSC staff, offenders and our institutions, all items entering or leaving the institution are thoroughly searched.
An offender’s personal property may be restricted based on concerns related to the health and safety of individuals or the security of the institution.
Related links
- Don't Risk It! Keeping Drugs Out (video)
- Taking action against illegal drone activity
- Detector Dog Program
- Visiting an inmate