The Investigations and Standards Office (ISO) conducts investigations, disciplinary hearing reviews and inspections of Whitehorse Correctional Centre. ISO is neutral when carrying out its mandate. All complaints are privileged correspondence.
- Provides independent oversight of Whitehorse Correctional Centre (WCC) by carrying out investigations and inspections.
- Ensures a timely, fair and impartial review mechanism for client complaints related to the correctional centre.
- Reviews inmate discipline on appeal.
- Recommends improvements to policy, procedures and correctional practices.
The director of the Investigations and Standards Office may investigate any matter that falls under the Corrections Act:
- at the request of the assistant deputy minister of Community Justice and Public Safety; or
- on the director’s own motion.
The Investigations and Standards Office has unrestricted access to:
- inmates;
- documents; and
- the correctional centre.
The Investigations and Standards Office can compel corrections staff to:
- answer questions;
- provide information; and
- provide evidence.
Complaints
- The Whitehorse Correctional Centre client should first try to resolve the issue with Whitehorse Correctional Centre staff.
- If that does not work, they may submit a written complaint to the Whitehorse Correctional Centre.
- The correctional centre is required to respond within 7 days.
- If the client does not receive a response within 7 days or believes the response is unfair they may write to the to request a review of the response and complaint issue.
You can also find more information by viewing our brochure.
For any questions or concerns Whitehorse Correctional Centre clients can phone the Investigations and Standards Office for free. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Phone: 867-456-6597
Appeals of disciplinary hearings
If a Whitehorse Correctional Centre client believes the disciplinary hearing is unfair, within 7 days of the hearing a client may request that the the Investigations and Standards Office review the hearing. For any questions or concerns clients may make a free call to the Investigations and Standards Office during business hours at 867-456-6597.
- 2019-2021 Investigations and Standards Office Annual Report
- 2018 Investigations and Standards Office Annual Report
- 2017 Investigations and Standards Office Annual Report
- 2015 and 2016 Investigations and Standards Office Annual Report
- 2014 Investigations and Standards Office Annual Report
- 2013 Investigations and Standards Office Annual Report
Under the Corrections Act and Regulations:
- the Investigations and Standards Office has to carry out inspections of Whitehorse Correctional Centre; and
- the Investigations and Standards Office reports on its findings and recommendations to the Deputy Minister of Justice.
The deputy minister must respond in writing within 90 days. They must indicate any proposed action to be taken as a result of the report.
2016–17 ISO inspection
Focus: use of force
Findings:
- 41 findings
- 10 recommendations
Focus of recommendations:
- Training
- Policy
- Documentation
- Authorities
- Recording of information and evidence
Focus: use of separate confinement
Findings:
- 38 findings
- 14 recommendations
Focus of recommendations:
- External independent review of separate confinement
- Safeguards on over-use of separate confinement
- Best practices in relation to younger persons in custody
- Segregation-like conditions in another unit of the Whitehorse Correctional Centre
- Access to fresh air and regular contact
- Policies and documentation
Outcomes:
- August 2017: submitted the inspection report to the deputy minister of Justice.
- Department of Justice responded to the Investigations and Standards Office inspection report and accepted 19 recommendations; partially accepted 4 recommendations where 4 follow-up questions were posed; and did not accept 1 recommendation.
2014 ISO inspection
Focus: complaint process
Findings and recommendations:
- 20 findings
- 6 recommendations
Focus of recommendations:
- Implementation of an electronic tracking system
- Documentation
- Complaint response processes and follow-up
- Training of correctional officers
- Visibility of the Investigations and Standards Office information within the units
Focus: use of long-term confinement
Findings and recommendations:
- 24 findings
- 9 recommendations
Focus of recommendations:
- New or improved documentation and filing methods
- Explore the independent review of separate confinement
- Internal and cross-jurisdictional review of mental health and separate confinement policies
- Policy implementation and specialized training for staff working in segregation units
Outcomes:
- September 2014: submitted the inspection report to the deputy minister of Justice.
- The deputy minister responded to the Investigations and Standards Office inspection report and accepted all recommendations.
- Corrections drafted a work plan capturing the intended actions to address the recommendations.
2011 ISO inspection
Focus: use of segregation or separate confinement
Findings and recommendations
- 4 findings
- 4 recommendations
Focus of recommendations:
- Inmate notifications
- Documentation and tracking
- Inmate placement reviews
Focus: sentence calculation, pre-discharge reviews
Findings and recommendations
- 6 findings
- 4 recommendations
Focus of recommendations:
- Policy updates aimed at quality assurance
- Adherence with existing policy
- Documentation
Outcomes:
- November 2011: submitted the inspection report to the deputy minister of Justice.
- The deputy minister responded to the ISO inspection report and accepted all recommendations.
- Corrections drafted a work plan capturing the intended actions to address the recommendations.