Research at CSC

Research Branch of the Correctional Service Canada (CSC)

The Research Branch of the Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is a centralized research unit operating within the Policy Sector at National Headquarters. CSC’s Research Branch is uniquely positioned to provide a relevant, operationally meaningful and targeted program of applied research that is specific to the complex, and evolving Canadian federal correctional environment.

CSC Research Branch undertakes applied social science research in support of:

• correctional operations,
• policy development,
• management decision-making, and
• evidence-based practice.

CSC’s research publications

CSC’s research publications help make direct links between research findings, implications for our institutions, community sites and the public. Evidence-informed practices help offenders work towards successful reintegration. These practices assist staff in identifying effective strategies to conduct safe and efficient work.

CSC’s Research publication page provides access to one-page summaries and reports on:

• Indigenous offenders
• correctional operations
• community corrections
• correctional programs and interventions
• health and mental health
• substance abuse
• offender profiles and forecasting
• women offenders

Submitting a research proposal

Interested in conducting research at Correctional Service Canada (CSC)? Researchers affiliated with a university or other research body must submit a research application for review and approval. CSC supports and assists researchers in a number of ways, based on the type of research conducted and the project's scope.

The following documents will provide information relating to the conduct of research involving offenders and/or CSC employees:

• Commissioner's Directive (CD) 009 Research
• Research Application and Undertaking Form

Please contact CSC's Research Branch for more information on the application and review process.

For more information   

If you have questions about CSC Research, require full PDF reports or would like to receive notification of new research publications please contact us at: research@csc-scc.gc.ca