On November 25 and 26, the Advisory Committee on Community Safety and Operations (ACCSO) met in Kingston, ON for their annual in-person meeting.
By way of background, ACCSO is comprised of both Union and Employer representatives and exists to ensure safe working conditions within CSC’s community operations.
USJE is represented on ACCSO by the following National Executive members; President David Neufeld, RVP Carol Osborne, RVP Annie Blanchette & RVP Jeff Sandelli. USJE regional front-line representatives are as follows: Sean Hickey, Marie-Pier Spellman, JR Legault, Audra Andrew, Morgan Haupt and Joe Brathwaite.
On Day one, following opening comments by the Co-Chairs (President, David Neufeld & Assistance Commissioner Correctional Operations & Programs (ACCOP), Jay Pyke) discussion took place across a number of important topics including exploration of digital device searches, fleet vehicle safety & management, an ACCSO sub-committee presentation on a developed guidance document on community incidents, discussion related to a potential increase of weapons at CRF’s, Parole Office Workload and a consultation on National Threats and related Business Continuity Plans.
At the end of Day 1, the group travelled to the recently unveiled CSC memorial to fallen staff. The group was able to explore the memorial, which not only pays homage to the fallen CSC staff, but contains many elements to represent the Regions across Canada. To read more about the journey to have this monument built, an effort that formally commenced in 2006, you can follow this link. To read more about the those honoured on the memorial, you can find information at this link.
Day two of the meetings included a presentation on CSC’s Mental Wellness Strategy which elicited dialogue around many of the factors that contribute to the ongoing challenges faced by those that work for the service. The conversation continued with updates and information around CSC’s ongoing exploration and testing of an electronic safety solution to support those undertaking front-line work in rural and remote areas where connectivity is difficult or non-existent. Further, updates were provided with respect to ongoing contract/procurement process related to the electronic urban solutions. The formal dialogue concluded with exploration with respect to the role of the Indigenous Community Laison Officer (ICLO) workload.
The group spent the latter part of the day on a site visit to the Henry Traill Community Correctional Centre (CCC). Like the majority of CCCs across Canada, the site houses a concentration of high risk/need offenders on statutory release. The dynamics of the cases dictate that the offender’s are generally not accepted to reside at contracted Community Residential Facilities (“Half-way houses”) and as such the CCC is the last and only resort. It was impressed upon the group that given the offender dynamics, there is always something on the go that requires attention in order to protect public safety while supporting reintegration opportunities.
A tour of the facility provided an opportunity to engage with numerous USJE members that undertake efforts to provide intervention, supervision and activities/tasks that keep the CCC operating. It was apparent that the USJE members took pride in their often-difficult work given the connection to Public Safety outcomes.
A presentation by staff at the end of the tour allowed for dialogue in relation to security events that have happened both in and around the facility in addition to considering some options moving into the future to enhance the site.
USJE would like to thank all of those involved in the tour and also commend everyone for their ongoing contributions to Public Safety.
USJE members are encouraged to use their Health and Safety committees to raise related issues at their sites, however as trends emerge or ideas come forward related to proactive safety considerations, they should also feel free to reach out to any of the regional representatives noted at the outset of this article for discussion and consideration of having items added to future ACCSO agendas.