Beyond the Fence: A virtual tour of a Canadian penitentiary - Security perimeter

To ensure the continued safety and security of the institution, the public, victims, staff, offenders and visitors generally enter an institution through a secure perimeter. CSC uses a number of measures at minimum-, medium-, and maximum-security institutions. Depending on the security level, there are a variety of systems and methods to keep the perimeter secure. These may include a combination of fencing or walls, sensors, movement detection equipment, lighting, alarms, close-circuit television monitoring, video cameras or barbed wire. Armed towers may survey the perimeter of the institution, which is also monitored by patrol vehicles. All of these elements ensure the safety and security of inmates, staff, victims and the Canadian public.

Legislation

CSC is guided by legislation for everything under its mandate, primarily through the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA). The CCRA provides the legal framework for how CSC manages offenders from the beginning to the end of their sentence. It covers aspects such as security classifications, living conditions, health care, and Aboriginal corrections, just to name a few. The CCRA, in addition to a variety of policy directives, regulations and other legislation, determines how CSC conducts its day-to-day business. This ensures that offenders can work towards rehabilitation while maintaining public safety.