. PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL Annual Report of the Inspector of Gaols For the Year Ended March 31st, 1955 VICTORIA, B.C. Printed by Don McDiarmid, Printer to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty 1956 ■ To His Honour Frank Mackenzie Ross, C.M.G., M.C., Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia. May it please Your Honour: The undersigned has the honour to present the Annual Report of the Inspector of Gaols for the year ended March 31st, 1955. ROBERT W. BONNER, A ttorney-General. Attorney-General's Department, Victoria, B.C., December 5th, 1955. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page _ 7 Introduction Oakalla Prison Farm— Men's Section 9 Women's Section 10 Young Offenders' Unit 16 Medical Report of Oakalla Prison Farm and Young Offenders' Unit 21 Psychologist's Report 35 Report of Protestant Chaplain 38 Report of Roman Catholic Chaplain 41 Staff-training 44 Nelson Gaol 45 Kamloops Gaol 46 Prince George Men's Gaol 48 Prince George Women's Gaol 50 Haney Camp Project 51 Report of Probation Branch 56 Appendix—Statistics of Institutions 59 L Report of the Inspector of Gaols, 1954-55 The Honourable Robert W. Bonner, Q.C, Attorney-General, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—It is with pleasure that I submit the Annual Report covering the Provincial Gaols and the Probation Branch for the year ended March 31st, 1955. Detailed reports from the various institutions and services are included herein, and by way of introduction I would offer some brief comments on what I consider the outstanding developments which took place during the year. It is gratifying to read Warden Christie's report of the continued success of the Young Offenders' Unit and Westgate Unit programmes. The experience gained in these two experiments will be of inestimable value to us in our future development at Haney, and I might say that already we have been receiving inquiries from elsewhere in Canada regarding our experiences in this special work that is being done particularly with the younger offender. The high percentage of successful rehabilitation which has resulted from the treatment programme in the institution, coupled with the careful post-release supervision on the part of the Probation Department staff, is something of which, I feel, we can be justly proud. The report of the Matron of the Women's Gaol, Oakalla, I am sure, you will find very interesting, particularly as it refers to the experiment reported last year whereby a percentage of the women inmates have been segregated both for housing and for programme in the two small cottages which were constructed separate and apart from the main Women's Building. Miss Maybee's recommendations concerning further developments along this line give food for thought and will be taken into consideration in the planning which is now being done toward the construction of a new Women's Gaol. Perhaps one of the most important areas in our treatment programme to have received attention is that of the health and medical care of inmates particularly of Oakalla, including the Young Offenders' Unit, the Women's Gaol, and also New Haven. The report of Dr. R. G. E. Richmond, Medical Officer, which follows, I believe, will be found to be extremely interesting, as it gives a detailed account of the experiences in this area and includes certain recommendations which, I might say, relate to suggested changes that are now under consideration, and which I hope next year can be reported as completed. There has been nothing outstanding to report from Nelson and Kamloops Gaols. The structural alterations in Kamloops were completed, and these extra facilities have been of great assistance to the Warden and his staff in carrying out the work programme in this institution. As in other years, Warden Teal continues to pursue a policy of a work programme in co-operation with other institutions and departments in his immediate neighbourhood, and in this way is able to offset the handicap of lack of ground surrounding the gaol building. I feel, however, that in the case of both Nelson and Kamloops Gaols, we are very rapidly reaching the time when we will have to give serious consideration to the scrapping of both these facilities and the construction of a new modern gaol building surrounded by adequate land for the housing and training of prisoners from the Interior of the Province. The new Men's Gaol at Prince George is now under construction and should be opened early next year. Warden Trant has made careful plans regarding programme at the new institution, and I am confident that when he and his staff are able to move into the new building, we will enter a new era of work programme and treatment for prisoners in that part of the Province. There were changes in the forest camp programme, as will be seen from the report submitted by Mr. Deildal. It has been possible to conduct a year-round programme P 8 BRITISH COLUMBIA rather than the summer camps which were operated during the last three years in the Kettle River district. Experience and accomplishments in this new project to date, I feel, will make most interesting reading. As in other years, there are accounts of the work of the Chaplains, Gaol Psychologist, and from Professor E. K. Nelson, our training officer. Activities of the Provincial Probation Branch are reported. There have been some staff changes, the two outstanding developments being the appointment of Miss Mildred Wright as Adult Probation Officer for women in the Greater Vancouver area and the opening of a new branch office at Prince Rupert under Mr. Allan Hare. Once again the volume of work of this Branch continues to show a steady increase. It is interesting to note from the statistical summary which is included that each year since 1942 has shown a steady increase, not only of referrals, but also of those placed on probation, indicating, of course, that Courts of the Province are becoming increasingly aware of the value of probation as a means of treatment for particularly those young and more reformable individuals who break the law. I would be remiss if I closed this report without some comment on the excellent co-operation which has been afforded the Corrections Branch by all our many friends, both individuals and agencies, who have assisted in time and effort toward the extension and interpretation of the new programme in British Columbia's penology. Thanks are extended to clergy of the various denominations, the lohn Howard Society, the Elizabeth Fry Society, the Salvation Army, the press, and all others who have interested themselves in individual inmates, and in a furtherance of the philosophy that it is no use retraining a person in an institution if there is not a work placement for him when he is released. The Wardens, Executive Officers, Guards, and Matrons of all our gaols, staff of the Corrections Branch, and Probation Officers are again to be commended for the loyal manner in which they have accomplished their work. The co-operation of the members of the British Columbia Board of Parole is also gratefully acknowledged. In closing, I submit the following recommendations for your consideration: — (1) It is gratifying to know that favourable consideration is being given to the construction of a new Women's Gaol, and I would urge that there be no hesitation in pushing these plans to completion, and that the construction of this institution be undertaken without any further delay. (2) I would draw attention to the entirely inadequate facilities at Kamloops and Nelson Gaols, and would stress the necessity for closing both these institutions and constructing in their place a modern gaol modelled on the lines of the new Men's Gaol at Prince George and located somewhere between Kamloops and Nelson, to be used for housing of prisoners from the Interior of the Province. In selecting the location for this institution, it is imperative that a large tract of land should also be available. (3) We are increasingly becoming aware of the inadequacies of hospital facilities at Oakalla. While it is our plan that the present Women's Gaol should be converted into a hospital once a new women's institution is built, there is some degree of urgency regarding the provision of better facilities for medical treatment meanwhile. Some of these changes can be made at not too great a cost. I would recommend that favourable consideration be given to plans which have been put forward along this line. (4) The use of probation as a means of treatment in this Province has long since passed the experimental stage. The provision of additional staff and the opening of other branch offices will enable increasingly more people to be rehabilitated through this method, and the additional cost is far less than that entailed in the construction of new institutions or the REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 9 extension of present facilities. I strongly urge that as requests for this service come in from other areas of the Province, they be given favourable consideration. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, E. G. B. STEVENS, Inspector of Gaols and Provincial Probation Officer. OAKALLA PRISON FARM Men's Section E. G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—I beg to submit herewith the annual report for the Oakalla Prison Farm for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 1955. The reports following of the staff in charge of the various units give the detail of their work during the past year. The optimistic mood reflected therein seems well justified when one considers some of the year's achievements. A good example is the successful operation of the economical but self-contained cottages by the staff of the women's institution. The project allows for the segregation and separate care of the teen-agers and younger women who sincerely wish to rehabilitate themselves. The senior officer and staff of the West Gate Unit also deserve special mention for the progress they have made during the past year. Four hundred of the more promising inmates, referred to as the " West Gate Unit," were segregated from the Main Gaol over a year ago as a hard work, hard play experiment. Their conduct has been excellent, and they have done double the amount of work of any other similar number of men in the institution. The most deserving team from this unit was allowed to play as part of an outside softball and soccer league. They won few games but gained high praise for their good sportsmanship. In spite of this greater activity, West Gate has had no escapes or other breaches of custody or discipline during the full year. The Young Offenders' Unit, one of the most progressive treatment units of its kind in Canada, has continued its treatment approach to succeed in the rehabilitation of an amazingly high percentage of its inmates. The Probation Department staff should share the credit for 90 per cent of Young Offenders' Unit releases successfully completing their parole period this year. The number who will never return to prison will unquestionably be high. The caution we must have in mind in reviewing the successful work achieved with these segregated groups during the past year, however, is the fact that they represent less than 50 per cent of the Oakalla population. The Main Gaol, housing approximately 500 inmates of the more criminal type, has also had improvements in programme, which have segregated the older and more hardened from the youthful and rehabilitable person. Trafficking of drugs and other contraband has been made a near impossibility. The control of the institution has been taken from the professional criminal and placed in the hands of the staff. The trusty, who used his position to administer favours for a price, is no more. P 10 BRITISH COLUMBIA All this has, however, made the main institution a much less attractive place for the confirmed delinquent. His hatred, both of the changes in programme and the administration responsible, has made the control of this hostility a much more difficult and to some extent more expensive problem. Honesty in prison, as in anything else, is neither cheap nor easy. It is the belief of this administration that these more-hardened delinquents can be reformed. A few indeed may even be encouraged toward reform by the restrictive custody which the modern correctional institution must impose on them. We should not, however, delude ourselves into thinking that we are doing a complete job by only punishing this group. Nor is it considered wise to pause too long at this stage of development, as restrictive custody, without any rewards or the treatment which teaches an acceptable method of expression, breeds a hostility which relentlessly seeks an outlet in destructiveness. Until such time as we have sufficient resources to provide both treatment and control for the confirmed criminal, we must restrict his care to control only, since we must reserve our still very limited treatment resources for those inmates who can show the greatest return for its investment on their behalf. Before appending the reports of the more promising work in the Young Offenders' Unit and the Women's Gaol, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the many agencies which have assisted us; the Government departments, including our own, which have given us assistance; the public, who have supported and assisted in many ways; and, finally, the staff of the institutions at Oakalla, who have unselfishly supplemented the investment by the Government and the taxpayer by bearing the responsibility for the improvements made and the extra work it has involved without additional recompense of any material kind. Respectfully submitted. TT ^ •■» r i Hugh G. Christie, Warden. Women's Section Hugh G. Christie, Esq., Warden, Oakalla Prison Farm. Sir,—Following is a report of the operation of the Women's Gaol for the fiscal year 1954-55. General Survey Development of programme has been slow but definite. The most notable changes are the lack of idleness, a more willing attitude on the part of the inmate, the absence of gang warfare, and a more thorough control of drug smuggling. Any improvement of atmosphere and discipline is directly due to the intensified interest, co-operation, and effort shown by all the staff. Personnel Recruiting and holding suitable staff has become increasingly difficult, due to exacting nature of the work, the necessity for shifts, and the inequality in wages. Staff turnover has been high and the programme has suffered accordingly. Personnel who have gained in experience through service, and have the capacity to absorb training, are our most valuable assets. Average Population (94.68) Although the population is relatively small, the variety of types represented necessitates classifying into various small groups. Each group must be thoroughly supervised as a separate unit and kept apart as much as possible. To fill the needs of this population, the institution should present varied programmes which would compare in separate instances with an industrial school, an open Borstal, a closed Borstal, a reformatory, and a full security correctional plan. J REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 11 The problem is how to plan and operate one institution and its programme to cover these needs Facilities A deviation from standard gaol accommodation, in the form of two small cottages, was put into operation early in the year. Each unit, capable of housing twelve inmates, consists of a bathroom (the only partitioned section) and one large room containing sleeping area, day space, kitchenette, and dinette. Although physical facilities offer only minimum security, maximum supervision is maintained. Cottages are equipped with small electric stoves and other facilities for cooking and general housekeeping. Breakfast and dinner are prepared and served in each cottage. Due to lack of time at noon, lunch is prepared in the central kitchens and served in the cottage. Cottage inmates go to school or to their jobs during working-hours, but otherwise spend their time together in the unit or at various activities. They are under constant supervision night and day, and much of the success of the experiment depends on the initiative and character of the supervisor. Cottage inmates are selected from among the first offenders or, in some instances, second offenders who are inexperienced in delinquency and not yet institutionalized. There is no calculated risk taken; candidates must be good custodial risks. This does not mean that the inmate is not still a behaviour problem when she is placed in the cottage; often there are weeks of painful adjustment before she accepts the demands of cottage life. Inmates are moved to the cottages one at a time to avoid placing too great a strain on either the matron or the group. This experiment has proved the wisdom of separate units where meals are prepared and served family style. In the more secure section of the Gaol, serving of food should also take place in the home unit, although central preparation is most practical. Separate preparation of food in the main institution would be too cumbersome for a large population. Apart from the cottages, other facilities remain as in former years, and the same problems plague the staff. The Women's Building, constructed to accommodate forty- five, usually houses from sixty-five to seventy, which means that first offenders not judged suitable for cottage placement live in close proximity to those with long prison records (the thoroughly experienced drug addict and sex deviant). In this setting the accidental offender, who may be quite an average person, is too often morally contaminated by too close an association with the chronic recidivist. Hence new complete moderate-security units for from ten to fifteen inmates is an immediate necessity if the institution is to avoid becoming a training-school for new addicts. Socialization Programme Socialization programme follows modern group work principles as closely as possible. Classification at its present stage of development has resulted in the following groupings:— Groups I and II (privileged groups who live in the cottages):— (1) Young first offenders, girls from the Industrial School. (2) Older inexperienced first offenders least liable to return to gaol. (3) People who will benefit by segregation and the programme provided on these units. (4) Good custodial risks. Group III: Consists of young addicts or alcoholics who have continuous contact with family. This can be an unsettled troublesome group. P 12 BRITISH COLUMBIA Group IV: Addicts and alcoholics who have had five or more years' experience with gaols. Usually active and industrious. Content to do time. However, if serious trouble arises, this group will be busy organizing it. Group V:— (1) The older non-addicts. (2) Girls from Industrial School with history of escapes. (3) First offenders with considerable experience and well known to police. Group VI:— (1) Consists of new admissions and those awaiting trial or remand. (2) Addicts and alcoholics suffering withdrawal symptoms. (3) Inmates who are acutely or chronically ill. (4) Inmates suspended from privileged groups for misbehaviour. Group VII: Older alcoholics and addicts of recidivist type. This group is usually less active. Groups I, II, and V are kept segregated from addict groups as much as possible. Some members of Groups I and II have used drugs but are not confirmed addicts. Segregation helps to slow down progress. Programme The schedule that is posted every week varies from last year in that we allow the groups to plan their own programme within limits. In some groups this method works effectively, while in others the planning is left to one or two individuals. They are also inclined to schedule for as many rest periods as possible, which results in minimum security. Programme differs this year in that the groups are not allowed any free time. There are no social nights unless some planned activity is in progress. Alcoholics Anonymous have given up their discussion groups. We have a bimonthly programme for Protestants and Catholics. Rev. Hollingworth shows films and leads the discussions following, with the Protestant group. Father McAvoy, with the Legion of Mary group of ladies, provides religious guidance for the Catholic girls. Other forms of community activity are picture shows, square dancing, whist drives, fancy-dress party, concerts planned and impromptu put on by inmates. During Christmas holidays all groups were given the opportunity of putting on one-act plays. Of five groups working on plays, two completed same. An amateur hour was held, and went over so well it lasted two hours. Mrs. Weldon brought in a concert group on December 21st. The institution provided full-feature shows on December 25th, 27th, and January 2nd, 1955. This year we have been fortunate in getting educational films from the B.C. Electric Company. This type of entertainment is popular with the inmates. Another passive form of indoor activity is listening to recordings. We have a new high-fidelity machine and are planning on building a music-appreciation programme around semi-classical recordings. The records the inmates have chosen for themselves provide them with active form of entertainment, as they are mostly dance tunes. The Y-menettes are expected in on April lst to give their annual party, which consists of square dancing to records. We would like to have a glee club, but need volunteer workers as no one of the staff has experience in this line. Outdoor Recreation Outdoor recreation consists of swimming, walks, and playing softball. We have a volunteer coach who comes in twice a week. He trained girls for the team who had never played previously. The Oakettes played eight outside teams, winning three games. The coach managed to get considerable equipment from various Vancouver clubs. A REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 13 left-hand fielder's glove and twenty-four pairs of running-shoes are all that has been ordered from recreational funds this season. All other softball equipment is in good condition. During the winter season the gymnasium was available to the Women's Gaol for four two-hour periods a week. Our same coach and his daughter came in three periods a week to coach basketball. The Oakettes played four outside teams, losing all the games, the closest score being 22 to 26. A sports fund was started in October, and a committee formed by voting one girl from each group. This committee meets at intervals to decide how they will spend the money from the fund. So far they have bought $18 worth of Christmas decoration, crests for basketball uniforms and also some for softball uniforms, pins and balls for bowling, and donated $5 to Group II to start a sewing class. This fund is also used for buying prizes for competitions and at times a welfare fund. The committee has also picked records, selected by the girls, to the value of $15. We have on order outdoor badminton equipment and are planning to play between the cottages and the main building. Hobby Work Afternoon hobby work is continuing along the same lines as formerly. We are allowed equipment, but are required to sell enough work to keep up supplies of leather, copper, etc. Pottery was introduced in January, 1955. A kiln, clay, glazes, and the necessary equipment was purchased, and the first pottery class was held for staff about January 15th. Shortly after this, one group started pottery and showed quite a lot of enthusiasm for the hobby. Staff classes have been continued on Wednesday nights, and all the inmate groups have been introduced to pottery. At the present time each group goes to the pottery hut at least once a week. The staff have been given enough materials to make two articles free of charge and are charged for all subsequent materials at cost. The inmates are allowed to use materials free of charge and have a free hand in selecting their projects. As pottery- making takes quite a lot of time to learn and the first few articles leave much to be desired, the inmates are allowed to keep the articles they make. If a staff member wishes to purchase any of these first attempts, they are charged for them at cost. There has been a great deal of enthusiasm for pottery as a group project. Aside from the fact that it gives the group an opportunity to get outside the main building, they enjoy the freedom of expression that clay affords. There has been a higher degree of participation in pottery than in other hobby activities. The fact that they are allowed to make themselves ash-trays, mugs, etc., encourages the inmates to make their first try, and after that they begin to develop their own ideas. It has been pointed out to the inmates that the materials involved cost money, and that when they develop a fair degree of skill, they might make articles for sale to replenish the supplies. They are quite willing to do this, and it is hoped that no hard and fast rules in this matter will be necessary, as the hobby classes have supported themselves in this way under the present system. Library During the past few months the entire library has been reclassified. The bulk of the fiction is now divided into two major classifications—Light Romance and Humour, and Standard Novels. The remainder are under the following headings: Short Stories, Mystery and Adventure, Humour, Plays, Canadian Stories, Light Philosophy, Animal Stories, Historical Novels (chiefly biographical), and Plays. The non-fiction is now classified under the following groups: Religion, Art, Poems, Music, Biography, Travel, Show Business, Fashion and Beauty, and Miscellaneous. Since this system has been in P 14 BRITISH COLUMBIA effect, it has been found that the inmates are reading a wider variety of books. They find it easier and quicker to pick out the type of book they enjoy, and the comment " I can't find anything good " is very rarely heard any more. Approximately 137 books have been added during the past year. The approximate total count of all books is 1,313, including twenty-six copies of the Bible and fifteen volumes of World Book Encyclopaedia. Of these, about thirty-four are on temporary loan to staff and between 100 and 120 are on loan to inmates at one time. There is combined a total of twenty books on permanent loan to the kitchen and Occupational Therapy Department. Another thirty-four books are at present out for either discard or repair. Supervised library periods are part of the socialization programme, and selected inmates have been trained by the librarian to look after the clerical work involved. It has been found that by having an inmate checking the books in and out and keeping the records, the inmate interest in books is increasing. They seem to feel that it is their library. The inmates so employed are proud of the responsibility of the job and are very conscientious. Kitchen and Dining-room Food.—Our supplies have been of good quality. The farm provides a good supply of meat, fresh eggs, and milk for a good part of the year. The variety this year has been good. Special diets are at a minimum, and we manage very well with the excellent advice of our doctor and clinic matron. Proof of this is the quick recovery of any sick girls and the generally improved health of all the inmates. The cost per day, per meal, per girl, averages between 23 and 27 cents. Meals are served family style, with a maximum of ten girls and one or two matrons at each table. This prevents waste, controls noise and greediness, and keeps conversation at a respectable level. The evening meal is planned and prepared during the day work programme before the afternoon group comes into the kitchen. This change-over is not always as smooth as it should be, due to the fact that many of the girls are unable or unwilling to accept this as a pleasant group activity rather than an unpleasant drudgery. This makes for a difficult situation, but is not without some training value. Improvements.—In the last year the following improvements have been made to our kitchen and dining facilities: Plastic dishes, canopy and fan over stove, Arborite table-tops in dining-room, new dish cupboard, dining-room chairs sanded and varnished, eight nested chairs for kitchen, kitchen painted, orlon curtains for dining-room, stainless- steel cooking and kitchen utensils, dining-room floor repaired, stainless-steel sinks and drainboards, large light-shades for dining-room, three large garbage-cans with heavy lids, a bird-cage and a canary. The latter lends a pleasant atmosphere. Suggested Improvements.—Walk-in cooler for perishables, refrigerator with lock for storeroom, some added table space, electric food-mixer, larger dining area, new work-table. Laundry The total number of pieces laundered during the year was 53,009, an increase of 4,893 over the previous year. Equipment in use consists of a Conner electric washing-machine (24 pounds capacity), one small household-type electric ironer, and six to eight electric irons. These facilities do not handle all the laundry for the Women's Gaol properly. Lack of adequate drying-space, poor wiring, and overloaded drains are also a contributing problem. A complete new laundry with modern equipment is recommended. This addition would not only give a training in a much-neglected field, but would also relieve the overworked unit in the Main Gaol by serving the Young Offenders' Unit, New Haven, and the hospital. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 15 Correspondence Courses Twenty-six girls attended the school during the year. They were registered for eighteen different courses, as follows:— Typing 20 5 Typing 10 13 Typing Practice 5 Typing Theory 1 Bible Study 2 English Grammar and Composition 10 1 English Literature 1 English Grammar and Composition 20 1 English Literature 1 Business English 1 Shorthand 21 1 Shorthand 31 1 Art 10 1 Art 39 1 Record-keeping 11 5 Elementary— Grade II Language 1 Grade III Spelling 1 Grade V Arithmetic 1 There were eleven courses fully completed during the year. Certificates were received by nine students. These certificates are worth 5 credits for anyone wishing to complete a grade. Three students, since their release, resumed their courses on the " outside " and have been keeping in touch with this department. Two girls have completed a course each and have reregistered for further study. A number of new text-books were purchased during the year as the students showed an interest in the different courses. Six second-hand typing-desks, with drop-head, were also added to the supplies. We are hoping to acquire four more, and the felt to go under the machines. The noise of the machines has been a constant hindrance to those who are not on these courses, however, we feel that the class facilities are slowly improving. I would like to mention also the fine co-operation which is received here from the office of the Director of the High School Correspondence Branch of the Department of Education at Victoria. The interest shown by that staff and their timely comments and advice are much appreciated. Occupational Therapy This department is used for the benefit of the convalescents, the known but controlled Tuberculosis cases, chronic invalids, inmates on remand or awaiting transfer to Kingston Penitentiary. It has been found beneficial to the new arrival who has been under a long period of strain. This way the woman becomes part of the programme immediately she is admitted, without facing her with a task that may defeat her at the outset. Industrial School girls, who usually arrive in a chaotic state, are placed here first, but soon progress peacefully to more active work or study. A display of handiwork and tea was held in the late summer, at the Gaol, under the auspices of the Elizabeth Fry group. Eighty guests from various churches and service groups were entertained. Although this venture took considerable effort on the part of the staff, the inmates were made to feel that the visitors were their guests. Small groups were taken on a conducted tour of the institution by the inmates and later served tea. P 16 BRITISH COLUMBIA The pride the inmates took in this venture, the satisfaction experienced by the staff, and the general lift it gave to morale encourage us to attempt more such community contacts. Articles completed during year were as follows: Leathercraft, 136 projects; metal- tooling, 71 pieces; wood-burning, 50 pieces; Dresden painting, 12 figurines; fibre- flower craft, 150 arrangements; plastic upholstery, 5 hassocks, lamp; and handicraft (knitting, crocheting, weaving, hooked rugs, and sewing), 529 pieces. Sewing and Mending This department has turned out a large amount of mending and sewing during the last year. Four new electric machines of the classroom variety have been added to equipment. This department is used to train staff in the supervision of inmate teamwork. The continual change of matrons for training purposes cuts down on the potential efficiency and production of the department. In spite of this handicap, the quality of sewing and mending has improved. The total work done was as follows: — Mending Pieces Men's quarters 49,605 Young Offenders' Unit 4,507 New Haven 3,228 Women's Building 1,683 Total 59,023 New work—Women's Building 3,793 In conclusion, Sir, may we thank you and your staff for the interest, co-operation, and encouragement shown us? Respectfully submitted. _, _ ., r B. E. Maybee, Matron in Charge. YOUNG OFFENDERS' UNIT Hugh G. Christie, Esq., Warden, Oakalla Prison Farm. Sir,—We beg to submit the annual report on the operation of the Young Offenders' Unit for the year ended March 31st, 1955. Administration During the year many changes have been put into effect at the Young Offenders' Unit, generally along the line of an increase in the focus of work to be done at the Unit. Some of these changes are listed in the reports by the department heads, which are given hereunder. Possibly the greatest change has been as a result of the increasingly better facilities for classification in the main unit. Individuals sent to the Young Offenders' Unit were more willing and able to use our present facilities. During the year about 90 per cent of the inmates received had a definite and an indefinite sentence. This gave and gives an opportunity to release an inmate when it is believed he is ready to return to the community as a result of his demonstrated ability to (1) get along in a socially acceptable manner with his peers as well as the staff, and (2) ability to earn his own living. Thus, at approximately the end of the definite sentence, each inmate's programme is evaluated with regard to these two main factors, and he is seen by the British Colum- REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 17 bia Parole Board. A decision, involving the Parole Board, Probation Branch, and the Unit, is made. In a very real sense the inmate is working toward this goal right from his reception into one unit. Our casework service and more intensive psychiatric services by the Prison Medical Officer have resulted in greater progress by inmates. Those inmates who are unable to benefit from the facilities at the Unit are returned to the Main Gaol for reclassification. Public response to the need for employment for inmates on release has been surprisingly good. Through the efforts of family, relatives, and friends, and through the consistent efforts of the National Employment Service and the Probation Branch, all inmates showing a capacity to work were successfully employed. One group, however, remains difficult to place: those individuals who do not have, for one reason or another, a family or relatives with whom they can live during the difficult " immediate discharge " period. Having few, if any, family ties, this group tends to be most deprived, and would number approximately 10 per cent of the population of 78 at any one time. Increasing attention is being given to this group by the Unit and the Probation Branch. An interested service club, with whom the Probation Branch is at present working, shows promise of being able to give valuable assistance in this area. Staff. The Unit continues to attract a good quality of staff, though some turnover has taken place. One staff member joined the Probation Branch, while an increasing number are making plans to obtain further education. At least two members plan to enrol in the School of Social Work at the University of British Columbia in the fall. Regular staff-training meetings are being held for all staff. All of the present staff have benefited greatly from the in-service course given at the main unit, but there is need for an expansion of this training to give staff more advanced training. Socialization Report During the past year the socialization programme has maintained the pattern of the previous year and has added to this pattern several new and noteworthy aspects. As in the past, sport played a major role in the programme. Competition and interest were keen, as indicated by the sixty-game softball schedule completed during the summer, while a sixty-game soccer schedule absorbed the interest during the winter. A floor-hockey league and a dodge-ball league helped fill the need for an indoor sports programme during the confinement necessitated by the winter evenings. Both institutional teams, softball and soccer, played games on outside parks as well as playing visiting teams on the Young Offenders' Unit field. This proved to be very satisfactory and gave added impetus to the inter-unit competition, as only the better players, in terms of ability and sportsmanship, were chosen for the institutional team. Individual unit groups were encouraged to follow their own interests, compatible with the over-all goals of the institution, and, in so doing, allowed for considerable variation from one unit to another so far as the general programme is concerned. Hobbies have operated well under the continued policy of the previous year. The policy that each inmate could take home some item of leather, copper, or other craft, but that all other articles would become the property of the institution, has indeed assisted inmates to give as well as receive and has increased the therapeutic values of the hobby programme. The most notable addition to the socialization programme has been an increased emphasis upon the inmates to assume more responsibility in formulating and carrying out new programme. An Inmate Programme Fund has been established, to which the inmates contribute. The institution, after weighing both the advisability of the considered P 18 BRITISH COLUMBIA programme and the effort made by the inmates themselves, makes an appropriate donation from the institutional Welfare Fund, which is made up of donations and canteen profits. The resultant pool of money has been used to provide for the sport and recreational programme of the Unit. It is also being used to finance the furnishing of a combination recreation-room and study-hall, which boys may use either to relax in or to apply themselves to their numerous correspondence courses. The utilization of such a fund makes for a more realistic appreciation of programme by the inmates. Other areas within which the inmates have assumed considerable responsibility are also worthy of brief mention. The purchase of additional films, not provided for by the budget, per se, has become the financial responsibility of the inmate population alone. An altar, built for the chapel, and a mural, nearing completion, were plans developed by the inmates to increase church attendance. In another instance a panel of experts was invited by the inmates to discuss with them the twofold problem of employment and parole. In still another case, a unit organized itself to paint its living-quarters, and the result was most gratifying. There are others which could be cited, but these are sufficient to indicate the accentuation of inmate responsibility within the confines of the setting. Another achievement has been the more active participation of staff in pre-release and release plans for inmates about to appear before the British Columbia Parole Board. This participation includes staff meetings held with the aid of the Treatment Officer, wherein staff express their diagnosis and prognosis of the given boy, as drawn from their close relationship and concrete experiences. The individual supervisor also presents a verbal report to the Parole Board when an inmate from his group appears before that body. This increases the status of the staff member in the eyes of the inmate and increases the contribution of the staff member to release planning. Future departures in the programme of this unit are now being formulated. It is hoped that these will include the beginnings of an interest programme, wherein boys having a common interest, centred around some worth-while activity, can gather together and, with the help of a qualified staff member, cultivate this interest. It is also hoped that the future will bring more utilization of accredited volunteers, drawn from the public and functioning as instructors, visitors, speakers, or coaches. These volunteers will serve to form a beneficial and necessary bond with the community, which may aid the individual inmate upon his ultimate release to that community. Vocational Report During the past twelve months the following vocations have operated on a vocational-training basis: Motor mechanics, woodwork, school-radio, upholstery, kitchen, bindery, and maintenance group. For the purpose of this report, these various vocations will be dealt with individually. Motor Mechanics.—We have had a very good amount of practical project work in this shop. Our motor mechanics and instructors have had a varied assortment of makes of cars to work on, as well as a varied assortment of project work, running from engine analysis to complete engine rebuilds, brake adjustments to complete brake overhauls, transmission and differential work, and some body and fender work. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to report that the indication of the work being turned out in this shop has met satisfaction and approval. This speaks very well for the careful selection of project work allotted to the trainees as they progress in their instruction and ability, and also the very careful step-by-step check made by the supervisor- instructor, his control and discipline of his group. Considerable maintenance work has also been carried out with this group in mechanical work, such as the making-up of legs for the cell bunks, repair of metal chairs, wheelbarrows, and trailers, for use in the institution's work. Tools, such as shovels, picks, rakes, etc., repaired, cutlery trays, and various articles for use by the socialization pro- REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 19 gramme have not only been made up, but designed by the instructor or by myself. These various mechanical-work projects have served to keep this group active on the days off of the regular instructor-supervisor so as not to interfere with his progressive instruction and step-by-step check of work done. This is not an ideal set-up from the point of view of vocational training, but it is working out reasonably well. Woodwork Shop.—I am pleased to report that continued progress has been made not only in the class of work completed by this group, but also in the instructional work of the supervisor. The instructor-supervisor has improved a great deal in his ability to transmit his knowledge in understandable language. He has shown improvement in his methods of instruction, his selection of project work in relation to the progress of the trainee, and he has demanded a progressive improvement in the finished product. This has created an all-round improvement in the work habits, economy, and general conduct of this shop. Some very worth-while and well-finished projects have been completed by this group, which have led to several of the trainees becoming sufficiently interested and proficient to go on with this type of work on release. One example of the type of work done in this shop is a scale model of a four-roomed modern bungalow that is complete in all detail even to the stucco. This project was done by two lads in the shop and took over three months to complete. The construction of several 8-foot car-top boats have proven excellent projects and have given untold satisfaction to several of the trainees in this shop, as was the case in the construction of a deep-freeze unit for the Haney forestry project. General maintenance has also been a useful and a helpful means of practical work for the inmates. I consider the progress made in this shop group in the past twelve months very good from a vocational-training view-point. School-Radio.—I am somewhat concerned with this group and with results over the past year. I feel that in view of the number of younger inmates with comparatively low academic grades that we are getting, a more concentrated effort to better these inmates' grades should be made. At the same time the possibilities in radio and allied work are increasing, and the desire for training in this work is naturally becoming more popular. We have had, in the past year, several very gratifying results from inmates in this group, possibly at a cost to the group in academic classes. There is certainly plenty of scope for full-time exercise of both the school group and the radio group. It is felt that every effort is being made to keep the balance between these two groups, but that both are suffering to a considerable extent by being amalgamated. It is very difficult to prevent the one group from distracting the other. It is also very difficult for a supervisor to divide his attention between two such diverse subjects. It seems obvious that these two classes are too much for one teacher, and that an additional instructor should be provided to get the most out of these classes. Upholstery.—Some considerable improvement has been made with this group in the past twelve months, more noticeably in the last four, due, I feel, to two reasons: (a) The putting-in of some small woodwork tools, which has increased the possibility of more creative project work and a somewhat larger scope, not only for project work, but for actual training in the upholstery trade; and (b) considerable improvement in instructional methods in a more definite training programme from a vocational point of view by the instructor-supervisor of this group. In all, this has had the effect of a much greater interest on the part of the inmates and in a better-finished product. It is to be hoped that further improvement can be looked for in this group. Bindery.—During the past year this vocational shop, although without an instructor- supervisor for some months, was kept in operation. Resignation was received from the previous instructor-supervisor early in 1954, and we were not able to replace him with the inducement offered. Our present instructor-supervisor, a temporary man with related knowledge, was not obtained until August. During this time what work was done was the 3 P 20 BRITISH COLUMBIA result of two fairly responsible inmates, who had considerable training under the previous instructor-supervisor. The present instructor-supervisor's methods seem to be vastly different to the former supervisor's. This was rather hard on the few inmates in the group at first. As six is about the greatest number that can be utilized in this shop, however, it was not long before a complete change of inmates was made and the present methods became the standard. This type of vocation is not very practical for the Young Offenders' Unit. First, it does not employ enough inmates to expend the full time of the supervisor; secondly, the type of work is not sufficiently energy-consuming for these younger inmates; thirdly, there is little or no outlet from an employment point of view for any inmate that does learn the trade. We have had a reasonably good supply of work for the bindery, however, from Oakalla Main Gaol, the Women's Gaol, Crease Clinic, Burnaby School Board, and the Public Library Commission in Victoria. Kitchen.—The kitchen has only recently come under the direct control of the Vocational Officer. Some changes have been put into effect, with the view of more training for the inmates in cooking and kitchen administration, also for the better control of the kitchen, meal-serving, security, and general conduct. So far these changes seem to have improved the general set-up in the kitchen, and the cook-supervisor seems to be satisfied that more actual training can be done. These changes, however, have only been in effect a short time, and it is hardly possible to give, as yet, any positive effects that are a result of these changes. General.—There have been several changes in the direct administration of the Young Offenders' Unit during the past twelve months, and I feel that it speaks well for the vocational programme that those officers who have been placed in control of the Young Offenders' Unit have seen fit to leave the control of this programme with the Vocational Officer without any interference, and have seen fit to place more and more of the administration of the whole of the vocational programme with this officer. I believe it has made for a better working programme, for a better feeling on the part of the vocational staff, and a much smoother running institution. The new classification procedures at the Main Gaol have kept the inmate population at a more constant level at near capacity. This has meant that all of the shops have had their limit of inmates nearly constantly during the past twelve months. There is a very urgent need for one further vocation, and it is hoped that we will be able to include sheet metal in the coming year, as at present we always have not less than twelve inmates on a maintenance group, most of whom are awaiting placement in one or other of the vocational shops. The fact that the bindery can only handle, at the most, six inmates, is also possibly part of the reason for the large number that must be carried on this maintenance group. With limited projects of any large nature it is often difficult to keep this group actively employed. Medical-Dental The Prison Medical Officer visits the Unit four times a week for routine sick parade. Inmates needing hospitalization are referred by him either to the Main Gaol hospital or for more specialized treatment to the Vancouver General Hospital. Psychotherapy is also given on an individual basis as often as necessary. During the year one inmate was committed to the Provincial Mental Hospital (Crease Clinic). Custody and Controls During the past year the staff at the Young Offenders' Unit has maintained a consistently high level of security, except immediately prior to one incident, which resulted in three inmates making an escape from a recreational party for a period of short duration. During the year we recorded 174 inmates and discharged 120. The largest percentage of discharges were through the British Columbia Parole Board. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 21 Food Rations, Stores The system instituted during the last fiscal year by which the Young Offenders' Unit received various types of stores through the Main Gaol stores has been continued with commendable success. The dry stores are delivered weekly. The fresh meats are delivered daily and fresh vegetables from the farm as required. This allows bulk buying, with consequent economy. The recommendation has been made for the relocation of the kitchen from the second floor to the basement. This change of location will be advantageous in many ways. It will provide a larger area, which will allow the cook-supervisor to give a more complete course in cooking, easier access to storerooms, and a more sanitary kitchen. Maintenance of Grounds and Buildings The main playing-field continues to be improved and enlarged. We now have a playing area large enough for two small ball diamonds. Landscaping of the grounds continued during the year and will continue to be done. The main building has been painted, and also the inside of the Quonset huts. A partition was erected during the year in one hut to provide a separate room for radio and school. Summary During the year, as stated earlier, we received 174 inmates and 120 were discharged; of those discharges approximately 90 per cent successfully completed their indefinite sentences on parole and, as far as is known to us, have not been involved in further offences. Ten per cent broke parole and were returned to the Main Gaol. In conclusion, we would like to thank you and your administrative staff for your constructive help and encouragement during the past year. Respectfully submitted. . T .. *■•;■> A. L. Montpellier, Chief Correctional Officer. MEDICAL REPORT OF OAKALLA PRISON FARM E. G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit the annual medical report for the year ended March 31st, 1955, for the above-mentioned institution. A_r r^ Main Gaol Hospital Since the submission of the last report, with the co-operation of the executive, the facilities for medical treatment in the institution have continued to expand, though there has been no additional building. As we mentioned in the previous report, plans were prepared for the adaptation of the present hospital toward establishing fuller operational facilities, in order to render the prison medical service as comprehensive as possible and independent of outside hospital assistance. To accomplish this requirement, an extension of the elevator shaft to the tower of the present building was necessary. The expense of this alteration was found to be unjustifiable, and, therefore, the scheme was relinquished. On the whole, it would seem advisable that a new building be erected or another utilized as a prison hospital. It P 22 BRITISH COLUMBIA is becoming increasingly apparent that with enlarging population and advancing medical knowledge the present facilities are crudely primitive and insufficient. The expense of admitting a patient to the Vancouver General Hospital is very considerable, and, as will be seen from statistics, the annual expenditure of this nature has been heavy. With suitable equipment and accommodation, and part-time specialists, there should be a great saving financially and at the same time fuller medical services. There is one room with four beds for the more seriously ill patients and those recovering from operations. This is equipped with hospital beds, but nursing is carried out there under considerable difficulty owing to lack of hospital resources. Even in the present hospital there should be much more equipment as regards elementary nursing requirements, with bedpan flushers, more bath and toilet facilities, and means of isolation. Dietary In the matter of invalid dietary, diabetic and ulcer diets have continued to be given consideration. So far the issue of these diets has not been satisfactory, but we are obtaining the counselling of the Provincial dietician and the dietician of the Vancouver General Hospital. The main hope is that for the less rigid dietaries there will be sufficient choice from the "line meal." This leaves two major requirements unmet: that of the diabetic diet, which entails most careful selection and preparation, and the highly restricted ulcer diets, which contain little or nothing of the usual menu. It is desirable to avoid the issue of special diets in the Main Gaol as far as possible. The practice at present is to issue the diabetic diets in the Main Gaol, but to admit to prison hospital any inmate who requires milk, eggs, jelly, toast and butter, such as ulcer patients in their early stages of treatment. X-ray Apparatus Through the ready assistance of the Department of Health and Welfare, we have obtained a Philco X-ray machine. One of the hospital staff has been instructed in the use of this machine and in the development of the films, with the most kind assistance of Dr. Jackson, radiologist at the Provincial Mental Hospital. Installation of the apparatus has lessened demand on transportation and assisted in the speedy diagnosis of bone injuries. Opera ting-room Very recently a new operating-table has been purchased to replace the wooden kitchen table that was used previously. The stock of surgical instruments has been augmented, and when adequate surgical accommodation has been supplied there should now be sufficient equipment to fill most major surgery needs, provided that anaesthetic apparatus is included, as the present operating-room is unusable for operations requiring general anaesthesia, owing to lack of special electrical wiring and fixtures. There is also the lack of suitable flooring, sterilizing equipment, and a scrubroom. Laboratory During the year a laboratory has been set up, and we can now carry out basic investigations. One of the hospital staff is being instructed in his duties as laboratory technician. The following is a list of the work which has been carried out in the laboratory: — Urinalysis. P.S.P. kidney function. Gastric analysis. C.S.F. chemical and microscopic examination. Fasces—chemical and microscopic examination (no culture). Routine microscopic bacteriology. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 23 Blood haematology— Count—red, white, and differential. Eosinophil count, platelet count. Reticulocyte count. Haemoglobin. Red-cell morphology. Hematocrit. M.C.H., M.C.V., M.C.H.C, colour index. Icterus index, serum bilirubin. Sedimentation rate (both Westergren and Wintrobe). Urea and urea nitrogen. N.P.N. Total proteins. Albumin-globulin ratio. Sugar tolerance. Fasting sugar. Non-fasting sugar. Bleeding time, prothrombin time. Coagulation time and clot retraction. Basal metabolism. Vital capacity. The institution of this laboratory has greatly assisted in rapid diagnosis and has relieved transportation difficulties to some extent. Hospital Right Wing—Mental Observation Regarding the Right Wing, there has been no alteration since the last report. It remains as a mental observation wing, but its structure is such that it cannot be utilized satisfactorily for this purpose. The need for an especially built observation tier was stressed in the last annual report. It should contain an adequate number of cells, protective and sound-proof rooms, and a main association room with sufficient bathing accommodation and other offices to assure that the inmates there would not have to leave the tier for any purpose. There are no facilities in the prison hospital or elsewhere for the long-term care of the more psychopathic inmates or safe segregation of those suicidal or violent; it is feared we have made no progress in this regard. Hospital Left Wing—Tubercular Dr. Hakstian, the physician in charge of the Division of Tuberculosis Control in New Westminster, acts as consultant for the tuberculosis patients in Oakalla. This has resulted in closer co-operation between this department and Tuberculosis Control. Dr. Hakstian visits frequently and gives most helpful advice. Admissions to Tranquille have been arranged for an increasing number of tubercular cases. There has been more rapid exchange of information in the case of Indians with tuberculosis. With the co-operation of Dr. Barclay, of the Department of Indian Affairs, full reports are sent from the Indian hospitals at Sardis and Nanaimo with little delay. The present accommodation for tuberculosis patients remains entirely inadequate. They need more beds, more nursing facilities, and more effective segregation than is possible under present circumstances. It is very evident that with the increasing number of active tuberculosis cases in Oakalla, the location of the tubercular wing is most unsuitable. They are, on the whole, marked behaviour problems, and a high proportion of them have been drug-users. They become aggressive and demanding, and build up a disturbing degree of tension. Many have been given the opportunity of sanatorium P 24 BRITISH COLUMBIA treatment, but they misbehave there and have had to be sent back to Oakalla. The remedy would be for the Tuberculosis Control to build a security unit in one of its hospitals or else to build a small huttage unit on the Oakalla Prison estate. As can be seen by the statistics, an increasing number of inmates are screened by the chest X-ray, and this is an important service to the community in general. We are greatly indebted to Miss Neen, the liaison worker, who gives much of her time and adds considerably to the welfare of the tuberculosis patients both here and on their discharge. Occupational therapy, in the form of leatherwork, has been less utilized than during the previous year, largely owing to the scarcity of patients who are able to carry out work of this sort. The education section of the Tuberculosis Control has visited us twice, and the hospital staff has had one lecture and one film concerning the precautions required in dealing with tubercular patients. Screening of the staff has continued, and some of those working in the hospital were found to be negative to tuberculosis when tested and have been given the necessary preventive vaccine. On the advice of the tuberculosis authorities, surgical gowns for the staff visiting the wing have been ordered. It is hoped that there will be a gradual and badly needed improvement in isolation technique. Hospital Staff We have been fortunate in retaining the services of the more-experienced members of this staff, though there has been a considerable change among the younger ones. It has been found difficult to maintain continuity of treatment owing to off-duty days of treatment personnel and holidays; also out-patient treatment administered by them takes them out of the hospital for inconveniently long periods during their shift of duty. The increased number of drug addicts admitted during the year has meant frequent visits by the hospital staff to the wings each day for the administration of withdrawal treatment, which still continues to be non-narcotic and relatively free of habit-forming and untoward effects. As suggested in last year's annual report, there should be a reception unit with rooms especially equipped for the withdrawal treatment. The custom is now that addicts on admittance may be found in the South and East Wings. The expansion of medical services in the Gaol has outrun the staff in regard to the need of trained nursing members. Gradually it is being found that more consultations and treatment can be given in the prison hospital itself, owing to the willingness of certain specialists to visit. This clearly requires more nursing skill and knowledge on the part of the prison staff working in the hospital. There is a greater responsibility placed on them, with a wider variety of medical treatment methods. Mistakes are more easily made, and it is greatly to the credit of the hospital officers that no serious incident has occurred as yet, considering the frequent change of staff and the employment of entirely inexperienced men. It is very apparent that a course of instruction, fuller than the one given two years ago, should be made available to the nursing staff. With this in view, we are planning such a course to be given with the aid of our own more-experienced members and of a visiting qualified tutor. The extension of medical treatment within the prison has also necessitated highly technical competence on the part of the officer in charge of the X-ray and laboratory. Added demands are also made on the pharmacist. There are probably few positions among the prison staff which entail so heavy a responsibility for human life and highly delicate apparatus. It is pleasing to know that efforts are being made to include such appointments in the list for receiving trade pay. It is apparent that some certificate or qualification will be necessary in each case. It occurs to me that such a system as that in use in the English prison service might be applicable. In that organization a certificate is required as specialists in the medical branch similar to that demanded of equivalent status in the armed forces. Adequate competence in the medical technicians and nursing field may take many years to acquire, and we believe that it should be possible for these men and women performing such duties in prison to be enabled to make a lifetime vocation of REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 25 them, obtaining promotions by virtue of their special training and general capacity. The policy of placing an experienced medical orderly on the staff of the west wing and West Gate has justified itself without any doubt; numbers on sick parade are maintained at a minimum thereby. Sufficient facilities and trained reliefs are very necessary for these men. At present, owing to lack of trained personnel, medical treatment prescribed loses its continuity, and dangerous risks are run by inexperienced officers attempting to do what should only be permitted to be carried out by a trained person. Also there is need for a medical inspection and first-aid room in each unit. In West Gate the medical supplies become too accessible to both inmates and staff. I would like to acknowledge with gratitude the loyal and enthusiastic services which have been rendered by the hospital and out-patients' staff during the year. I am especially indebted to the officers who headed the medical units, such as the hospital itself, pharmacy cum operating-room, and Tuberculosis Control unit cum dental and V.D. section, the relief officers who have to be versatile enough to relieve the officers in charge of each unit, the officer in the laboratory, and officer in charge of the out-patients' department, also the medical treatment officers in the hospital, who have worked conscientiously in spite of such inadequate training and facilities. Psychiatric Services It is with deepest regret that we record the death of Dr. Ernest Campbell in August, 1954. For many years he had been a devoted counsellor and gave much of his service without financial reward. Additional assistance which he so willingly rendered was that of helping convicted inmates in need of psychiatric advice, counselling of relatives and friends, and in the selection of subjects for electro-convulsive therapy, some of which treatment he himself administered. Up to the present time there has been no authorized remuneration for such service, with the result that we have had temporarily to discontinue electro-convulsive therapy. It is hoped that soon some arrangement will be made to resume this very necessary form of treatment. Discussions are now in progress as to adequate standards of hospital equipment and nursing care which are necessary to satisfy the requirements of a psychiatric unit in any establishment. The present policy, we understand, is to leave electro-convulsive therapy in abeyance until the prison hospital and its equipment could meet the demands of a health authority in the manner of operative procedure of this sort. We have been pleased to welcome Dr. J. C. Thomas as Dr. Campbell's successor. I have personally found much assistance in the relief from the duties of psychiatric reports to the Courts. In the short time that Dr. Thomas has been employed in the prison on a part-time basis, the number of psychiatric reports to the Courts has risen considerably. He has also seen a number of inmates with a view to committal to Provincial Mental Hospital. This relief has enabled me to spend more time in the interviewing of convicted inmates, although there is still only the barest minimum of activity of this sort. Increasing experience with drugs acting specifically on certain areas of the central nervous system, such as largactil, has diminished the intensity of agitation and violence among certain disturbed inmates. The increased use of segregation without punishment has assisted in the general peace of the prison, although we are fully aware that the present facilities for segregation are extremely out of date and unsuitable. We are also finding assistance from the derivatives of the new drug rauwolfia. It is, of course, to be noted that such substitutes as largactil and rauwolfia products are non-narcotic and non-barbiturate. The absence of specialized psychiatric services on a whole-time basis has rendered the psychiatric contribution to the classification of inmates negligible. This is a highly important function, and it is hoped that as the field of correction in British Columbia expands, there will be ample provision of psychiatric services. There is also a pressing need for adding to the staff, in the shape of psychiatric social workers and, as mentioned below, another psychologist. Through sheer lack of resources, P 26 BRITISH COLUMBIA cases coming before the Classification Board often have insufficient observation, preparation, and presentation. The services of the psychologist have been largely expended on the staff; this is highly important, but the assessment of the inmates also requires more attention. Mr. McAllister has given unstintingly of his time and skill, but he urgently needs a colleague; not only by this assistance would he be enabled to offer more extensive supervision, but he could utilize his clinical acumen as therapeutic assistant. We are highly indebted to the authorities at the Provincial Mental Hospital and the Crease Clinic, especially Dr. W. P. Fister, the neurologist, for continued co-operation in the taking of encephalograph recordings of any inmates we submit for this investigation. We have a regular appointment every Monday, and the number taken to the Crease Clinic for this procedure can be observed in the statistics. Narcotic Research We have been pleased to have had the narcotic research team working with us for another year. Most pleasant associations have been maintained, and the physician to Oakalla Prison Farm has been invited to join the University Advisory Committee on Narcotic Research. We are most grateful to Dr. Stevenson for his advice on certain of our narcotic problems, and also to the consulting internist of the research team, Dr. Stans- field, for his readiness to give us his expert opinion, when we have requested it, on selected inmates, and, indeed, he has also examined some non-narcotic patients when we have sought his advice. We are indebted to him for the basal metabolism reading machine, which is another helpful feature for physiological investigations. We have, during the year, maintained our routine withdrawal schedule for addict inmates on admission with the sodium luminal prescription, but we have also experimented with withdrawal on largactil, a non-barbiturate, non-sedative drug, and serpina, a product of the rauwolfia leaf. So far the largactil treatment gives promise of being more satisfactory than any other, but, of course, more expensive. A short article is being contributed by the Prison Medical Officer to the " British Journal of Delinquency " on the subject of narcotic addicts in gaol. Dr. Stevenson has contributed the major contribution to the same journal on this subject. The necessity for a small unit for addicts withdrawing from their habit is increasingly evident. At present they are spread throughout the wings, and adequate observation is not possible. On the other hand, it is not a suitable group to have in hospital as routine. The number of addicts on withdrawal can be seen from a section in the statistics. I think it is fair to claim that the amount of narcotics brought into the Gaol illicitly has greatly diminished, and we have covering authority to make complete physical examination of inmates on reception. Plastic Surgery We have once more to acknowledge with much gratitude the honorary services of Dr. Edward Lewison. He has continued to perform rhinoplasty on inmates with nasal deformities, and also submucous resections. There has been no possibility of assessing, as yet, the assistance that this practice may offer toward rehabilitation, but we can observe, within this environment, the aid to the inmate's morale. As can be seen from the statistics, Dr. Lewison has conducted a large number of operations throughout the year to both the women and the men. He has been ably assisted by his colleague, Dr. Leeson. Optometrist We are also indebted to the optometrist, Dr. Milne. Dr. Milne has visited the Gaol in the place of the former optometrist, Mr. Roy Scott. This service has been of great assistance in supplying inmates of the Main Gaol with glasses at their own expense, and certainly at most reasonable cost. This has saved transport to Vancouver of these cases. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 27 Needy inmates of the Young at public expense. Offenders' Unit and New Haven are V.D. Clinic suppli ed with glasses This valuable service has been continued by the Provincial Health Department. Difficulty was experienced in presenting classification procedure. This difficulty was brought to the attention of the Provincial health authorities, who, without any hesitation, offered further clinics to meet this problem. The result has been that they are now held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Dentist Dr. Gilroy has continued to give highly skilled and comprehensive service to inmates on one and one-half days a week. The number that it is possible to treat on this basis is entirely inadequate, and waiting-lists become longer and longer. Again it is most strongly recommended that additional arrangements be made for dental services, either on a part-time or whole-time basis. It is hoped that in time some means will be found to supply needy inmates with dentures at public expense. West Wing This wing has continued to be the classification unit. The procedure for classification has been dealt with elsewhere in this report. It has been found that the staff in this wing have shown a ready aptitude in the way of help to assess the needs of the inmates awaiting classification, and also those of the more-disturbed group who are sometimes retained in the West Wing, as being unemployable elsewhere. This again points out the value of a special unit for those who are in need of a somewhat protective environment, yet who are not suitable for retention in prison hospital over a long period. Increasing use of the segregation cells in this wing for the purpose of withdrawal of the inmate from general circulation and for closer observation has proved of value, but an adequately equipped tier is necessary. It is hoped that there will be some addition to this wing, in the shape of a room or rooms for interviewing and a room for medical examination of inmates. The segregation cells are not in line with modern institutions in this aspect. The present cells have no adequate ventilation, and no plumbing, and also insufficient means for observation. They are also not sound-proof. South Wing Mention is made once more of the unsuitability of the condemned cells. It is again understood that plans for alterations are under consideration. East Wing My observations concerning this wing in a previous medical report remain pertinent. There is no evidence that any progress has been made concerning the rehabilitation of the drug addicts in this wing, and there is still difficulty of having in the same wing all degrees of drug-users, from those who have barely left the " joy pop " stage to the habitual user over many years, although attempts are made to minimize the association. From the medical aspect, this wing shows a larger number of inmates reporting sick to the Medical Department than any other wing. There is much greater difficulty getting inmates to work, and the excuse is often the complaint of sickness, which is usually trivial. This is the only wing which at present has no officer specifically assigned medical orderly duties, and, therefore, the medical organization is inevitably haphazard in this P 28 BRITISH COLUMBIA unit. It has been found that in other units which have an officer with some training in medical work, specially appointed to supervise the medical care in his unit, that the results have proven without doubt the value of such procedure. It is hoped that the executive will see fit, as soon as possible, to attempt to bring the standard of medical care in this wing closer to the level of that afforded to the others, although the gross problems in this are fully appreciated. Bathroom and Admitting Accommodation This area has caused much concern medically. With the co-operation of Dr. George Elliot and Dr. E. Wylde, Mr. W. A. Mallett, the sanitarian for New Westminster, has accompanied me on monthly hygiene inspections, and the urgent need for alteration or reconstruction of this department was recommended by the sanitarian in his reports. The ventilation is entirely inadequate; the disinfector is inefficient and requires replacement by an up-to-date apparatus. An added problem has been the persistent passage through the admitting section of verminous inmates on transfer from the city gaol. This was reported to the Warden of Oakalla Prison Farm, who discussed the matter with the Chief Constable of Vancouver, Mr. Walter Mulligan. Clothing is sprayed with DDT, as are also the infected individuals. Insufficient space for the storage of clothing adds to the difficulty of ensuring clean and tidy procedures. Dietary and Kitchen The new kitchen is proving very satisfactory. The food, in quality and preparation, is excellent, and is up to the highest standard of institutional cooking. There has been little complaint over the new apparatus which has been installed, although difficulty has been experienced in regard to the washing-up machine, partly because it is a little small for the work involved. There has also been a suggestion that the ventilation could have a larger vent. Dairy The new dairy has met with approval by the health authority, and samples of milk are frequently tested. Pasteurization technique is efficient. West Gate This unit is proving a valuable asset to the commencement of rehabilitation training in Oakalla, and it is very satisfactory to observe the programme there and the keenness of the staff. The vocational facilities approximate those of a fully established training centre. It is clear that this unit could be a forerunner of the Haney Vocational Institute. Structurally it is an unsatisfactory building; the layout renders adequate ventilation most difficult to achieve. Some improvements have been made, such as raising the skylights so that there is a gap for air to enter and by making openings in the outside wall of each unit in order to facilitate cross-ventilation. This, however, is not sufficient, and it is felt that some of the large number of sore throats and colds could be avoided under more adequate ventilation. There is a pressing need for a first-aid room, which could also contain the medication cupboard and also an examination couch. The food-containers recently purchased serve the food appetizingly and warmly. The medical supervision has been in charge of an experienced male nurse, but owing to an absence of a medically trained relief and the forty-hour-week schedule, medical care is difficult to maintain at a satisfactory level. When the exigencies of medical duties allow, I make a routine and periodic examination of each inmate at West Gate. The establishment of a unit for those fit for light work and for those unemployable has greatly relieved REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 29 pressure of accommodation in the West Wing. Since writing the above, the male nurse has resigned on appointment to the penitentiary service. Following the destruction of the Nissen hut by fire on February lst, 1954, the Doukhobor women were removed to West Gate, and two units were occupied by them. This has proved a workable arrangement, and, owing to careful supervision and an embargo on oils and other inflammable material, there have been no further incidents of incendiarism. The women have refused to allow their food to be prepared in the main kitchen and have been content with what little heating of food that can be carried out in their present units. The women Doukhobor inmates are slowly decreasing in number owing to a succession of releases. This group of inmates has been a most interesting group to study and was the subject of two lectures I have given—one to the Psychiatric Section of the British Columbia Medical Association and one at the Staff Seminar at the Crease Clinic. On the whole, during this year, the Doukhobor women have shown good behaviour, although they have steadfastly refused to go to work. There has been only an occasional incident of clothes-burning. A full statement concerning the Doukhobors was submitted in the last annual report. Young Offenders' Unit The general health of the inmates of this Unit has been very satisfactory. Classification has tended to send the younger boys there, and this number has included those transferred from the Boys' Industrial School. On the whole there has been little change of the nature of personality problems encountered there, although there has been a tendency to transfer the more-disturbed young offenders to the Main Gaol for reclassification. The amount of psychiatric counselling to this Unit has been very limited owing to pressure of demands elsewhere, but I have commenced to spend half a day in this Unit for therapeutic interviews and also close medical attention is maintained by four morning visits a week. The major medical comment concerning the hygiene of this Unit is that with regard to kitchen sanitation. I have paid frequent visits to the kitchen and have found it sometimes in a poor state of hygiene, mainly shown by untidiness, unclean equipment, drawers, and cupboards, and food lying around uncovered. There has been some improvement, but close supervision is essential, especially during the afternoon period; there should be an ample supply of clean white clothing for the boys working there. The dietary, clothing, bedding, ventilation, and heating have been satisfactory. This Unit continues to offer facilities for treatment of the young offender which combine a fair proportion of the necessary techniques. It would be helpful if more stenographic services could be provided for the adequate recording of case notes and histories. Haney Camp This camp was commenced in September, 1953, as a project for the purpose of clearance in connection with the construction of the new correctional institute at Haney. It has also proved a valuable pre-release resource in that the additional amount of money earned there by the inmates has assisted them on their discharge. Also their physical health has, in most cases, shown the beneficial results of camp life. Many difficulties had to be overcome. The staff were inexperienced in camp administration, except that later on in the year an officer was placed in charge who had previously superintended the forestry camps which the Attorney-General's Department had instituted for selected inmates. Unfortunately there was an outbreak of Salmonella infection, which throughout the year affected a number of inmates and staff. We are most grateful to the Medical Officer in charge of public health of that area, Dr. Larsen, and to our consultants in the Provincial Health Department, Dr. George Elliot and Dr. John Nelson, for their unflagging interest P 30 BRITISH COLUMBIA and co-operation and active assistance. We would also like to thank the Director of the Provincial Health Laboratory, Dr. C E. Dolman, and his staff, for their work in carrying out a large number of investigations. Dr. Larsen, the Director of the Mission Health Unit, and his sanitarian have frequently visited the camp and made most helpful recommendations. It was necessary to make a large number of improvements concerning the camp equipment and routine in regard to the needs of hygiene. Basic education was required in the fundamental necessities for camp sanitation. The Warden of Oakalla Prison Farm conscientiously gave his full attention to the adjustments. The latrines, sources of drinking-water, fly infestations, and food storage, kitchen, and dining-room facilities were all reported upon and remedied as far as was possible. Also hot-water supplies, showers, and refrigeration were established to the fullest possible extent. Active treatment of those infected with Salmonella was carried out, and it is hoped that the situation has been brought under control. However, it is the opinion of the authorities of the Health Department that for many reasons, including overcrowding, the present site and equipment is unsuitable, and it is understood that new sites will be chosen. Women's Gaol The general health of the majority of the inmates of this unit has been satisfactory, and those who have been in poor health on admission have rapidly improved. It is with pleasure that we observed the high standard of care which is afforded to the women inmates of Oakalla. The dietary is excellent, and any special diets which are prescribed are conscientiously prepared and administered. From the medical aspect, as far as service of the staff to the individual is concerned, this is of high standard. There are certain features which render medical services difficult to offer efficiently. One of these factors is the lack of sufficient number of registered nurses on the staff; another is the tendency to transfer matrons from clinical work to duties with another group. It is considered that there should be one highly experienced registered nurse in charge of the Nursing Department, with registered nurses under her supervision permanently employed on the medical side, and enough of them to staff each shift. It would be helpful if the senior nursing matron were qualified in up-to-date operating-room procedure in order that she could both instruct the medical staff (men and women) and assume nursing responsibilities for the operations carried out in the Men's and Women's Gaols in general nursing matters. Dr. Lewison has continued to perform his plastic surgery in the Women's Gaol as well as in the Men's Gaol. It is felt that the women are even more appreciative of this form of surgical rehabilitation than the men. Admission procedure in the women's building is well organized, and the technique on examination of female drug addicts on committal reduces to an absolute minimum the likelihood of narcotic drugs entering the building. It is interesting to observe that the women drug addicts in Oakalla appear to require less sedative medication for withdrawal than the men. This would seem to be largely due to the intensity of nursing care which they are able to obtain. The presence of a matron constantly in their room during withdrawal is of great assistance. It may also be due to the fact that women give the impression of being able to suffer as much with less complaint. There is need of a separate unit for female inmates on admission and on withdrawal from narcotics. There is also the need of a small hospital section. At present there are no rooms specifically designed for hospital patients, and there is a necessity for isolation for actively tubercular patients. We lack, in addition, protective rooms for mental observations. It is our opinion that there should be made possible similar facilities for the sentencing of young female offenders as now exist for young male offenders. It would be REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 31 advantageous, it is thought, if the definite and indefinite sentences were legal for the young female delinquents aged 16 to 23 years. It is apparent, owing to the smaller number of inmates in the women's building, that the techniques and the more immediate results of the more recent rehabilitative measures can be observed. It appears to us, from the medical view-point, that a great deal is being achieved in the women's unit, and it is hoped that the effect will soon be evident within the general community. There are, no doubt, many more resources desired, one of which would be the appointment of a social worker as such. Also it is hoped that there will be made possible a wide extension of after-care and supervision, and also expanded services to the women and girls by the Probation Branch. Huts The outstanding addition to the women's quarters has been the construction of huts which are built to contain ten inmates. These annexes also include a schoolroom and hobby-room. The huts offer a homelike environment and group participation, domestic training with good standards of hygiene and living conditions, together with very satisfactory means of supervision. Except for the small proportion of inmates who require maximum security, this is becoming an established plan throughout all correctional organizations. Summary In summary, it is submitted that during the year covered by this report certain progress has been made, but in the matter of trained medical staffing, clinical and other accommodation, operative and general nursing treatment, treatment of tubercular inmates, resources for mental observation, and care of disturbed inmates, and in accommodation and training of adolescent girls, we remain far below standards required in the modern conception of correctional institutions. Services rendered by the staff and facilities of the Vancouver General Hospital have been of inestimable value and have been most willingly offered. For these we are indeed greatly indebted. To you, Sir, and your superiors, and to the Warden of Oakalla Prison Farm, we are grateful for the means whereby medical care of inmates has shown hope and promise of extension and evolution. P 32 BRITISH COLUMBIA Breakdown of Admissions to Prison Hospital Diagnosis Number of Patients Days in Hospital Days per Patient Diagnosis Number of Patients Days in Hospital Days per Patient Abscesses 2 1 4 3 4 2 65 16 1 4 1 10 9 4 9 1 1 6 4 7 6 1 20 1 1 27 2 18 47 43 21 71 7 3,617 420 6 11 14 76 62 16 141 11 8 62 14 35 84 13 202 8 3 137 7 9.00 47.00 10.75 7.00 17.75 3.50 55.63 26.25 6.00 2.75 14.00 7.60 6.88 4.00 15.66 11.00 8.00 10.33 3.50 5.00 14.00 13.00 10.10 8.00 3.00 5.07 3.50 Infections—Continued Boils _ 3 1 6 2 9 26 19 16 3 42 67 7 24 61 8 3 3 8 1 34 4 3 26 2 7 9 10 9 8 27 7 81 284 97 166 17 169 336 181 216 429 37 176 22 112 41 276 35 16 364 20 100 54 3.00 Chest conditions— Asthma_— Carbuncles- Tonsil itis __ Injuries— 8.00 4.50 3.50 9.00 Lower limbs _ Upper limbs Muscles, ligaments, and joints— Arthritis Lumbaao 10.92 Cripples and amputees. Dental conditions— 5.10 9.75 Epidermis— 5.66 4.02 5.014 Diabetes __ Neurosis 25.66 8.10 7.03 Post-narcotic Protection _. Surgical—■ Cystitis Circumcision Prostatectomy _ Rhino-plasty _ Submucous resection Tonsillectomy^ Senility _ Stomach disorders— Dyspepsia— Ulcers 4.72 58.66 Gastro-intestinal— Acute abdominal pain____ Diarrhcea Jaundice- _ Haemorrhoids _ Heart ailments— Acute Endocarditis _ Valvular disease Acute myocarditis Tachycardia.. __ 7.99 14.00 41.00 8.11 8.75 5.99 18.20 10.00 14.29 6.00 Infections— Inmates admitted to Provincial Mental Hospital ... Oakalla Prison Farm Medical Recapitulation Venereal Disease Control Male immediate examination 4,466 Female immediate examination 948 Total 5,414 Number of new infections— Male Female Syphilis 6 2 Gonorrhoea 10 19 Totals 16 21 Number treated on epidermological grounds 15 Number treated, non-specific urethritis 5 Inmate Hospitalization Inmates admitted to Vancouver General Hospital— Total patients 59 Total days in hospital 1,108 Average days per inmate 18.61 Total cost of hospitalization $3,359.20 Average cost per patient $569.35 Average cost per day $16.15 REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 33 Women's Gaol Inmates examined by Dr. Richmond Inmates treated for drug addiction Inmates treated for alcoholism Out-patient trips to Vancouver General Hospital- Tuberculosis clinic Orthopaedic Maternity Surgery Dermatology Emergency Eye, ear, nose, and throat ___ _ Gynaecology Neurosurgery Cancer clinic Venereal disease clinic Dentist Transferred to Pearson Tuberculosis Hospital To optometrist _ Glasses supplied To dentist— Extractions Fillings Dentures Interviewed by Dr. Campbell Interviewed by Dr. Thomas Transferred to Provincial Mental Hospital Returned from probation 539 173 185 48 28 6 8 3 6 9 50 1 5 59 1 3 3 3 235 2 7 4 2 3 3 Tuberculosis Male Male, Indian Female Female, Indian Total Active „ , Suspect Arrested _ — . i i 32 | 9 | 7 7 | 2 1 18 | 4 | 6 3 2 2 51 12 30 57 1 IS 1 14 7 93 Institution hospital 65 Institution wing (suspect and arrested) _'___ 37 Admitted to Tranquille Tuberculosis Hospital 6 Admitted to Willow Chest Clinic and Pearson Hospital 4 Total days in hospital 783 To Willow Chest Clinic for investigation and large X-ray plates 110 Note.—Hospital officers are X-rayed once yearly as routine test. P 34 BRITISH COLUMBIA Dental Clinic Report Number of patients seen 693 Number of extractions 956 Examinations 60 Amalgam fillings 101 Enamel fillings 4 Cement fillings 27 Pulp caps 1 Jacket crowns 1 Gold fillings 1 Gold inlay ., 1 Impressions 36 Fit dentures 23 Insert dentures 23 Reline dentures 11 Repair dentures 20 Trim dentures 20 Prophylaxis 11 Treatment 43 Remove sutures _ 23 X-ray 2 Surgery 2 Cement cap 3 Cement facing 1 Plastic filling 4 Porcelain filling 4 Plastic inlay 1 Officers' Sick-leave Male Staff- Officers absent, sick 284 Total days' sick-leave 1,204 Average days absent, per man 4.25 Percentage of staff reporting sick 86.60 Female staff— Matrons absent, sick 27 Total days' sick-leave 304 Average days absent 11.26 Respectfully submitted. R. G. E. Richmond, M.D., Medical Officer. r REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 35 PSYCHOLOGIST'S REPORT E. G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—-Herewith is the report of the Provincial Gaol Service Psychologist for the fiscal year April lst, 1954, to March 31st, 1955. Tests Administered at Oakalla Prison Farm to Male Inmates Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale I 16 Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale II 29 Henmon-Nelson Test of Mental Ability, Form A (elementary school) 58 Henmon-Nelson Test of Mental Ability, Form B (elementary school) 10 Henmon-Nelson Test of Mental Ability, Form A (high school) 5 Shipley-Hartford Retreat Scale 17 Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory (full scale) 5 Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory (pd. scale) 23 Kuder Preference Record (C.H.) 4 Lee-Thorpe Interest Inventory (intermediate) 35 Bennett Hand-tool Dexterity 1 Reading Examination 1 Tests Administered at Oakalla Prison Farm to Female Inmates Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale I 3 Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale II 4 Draw-a-Person Personality Test 1 Kuder Preference Record (C.H.) ... 1 Tests Administered at New Haven to Inmates Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale I Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale II Mental Health Analysis (adult) Mental Health Analysis (secondary)_ Lee-Thorpe Interest Inventory (intermediate)- 37 15 62 1 63 Tests A dministered at Oakalla Prison Farm to Staff Guards— Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale I 28 Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale II 69 Otis Employment Test (1a) 33 Otis Employment Test (Ib) 53 Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory 32 Purdue Pegboard 1 Crawford Dexterity 1 Attitude toward the Treatment of Criminals, Form A 62 Attitude toward the Treatment of Criminals, Form B 2 Kuder Preference Record (C.H.) 61 P 36 BRITISH COLUMBIA Guard applicants— Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale I 2 Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale II 3 Henmon-Nelson Test of Mental Ability, Form A (elementary school) 2 Henmon-Nelson Test of Mental Ability, Form A (high school) 1 Otis Employment Test (Ib) 1 Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory (L. Scale)— 1 Kuder Preference Record (C.H.) 2 Matrons—■ Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale I 11 Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale II 17 Otis Employment Test (1a) 19 Otis Employment Test (Ib) 23 Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory 4 Attitude to Treatment of Criminals, Form A 23 Attitude to Treatment of Criminals, Form B 1 Kuder Preference Record (C.H.) 16 Matron applicants—Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale I _____ 1 Stenographer applicants— Otis Employment Test (Ib) 4 Shipley-Hartford Retreat Scale 4 The work of the Psychologist over the past year has become concentrated in three main areas: (a) Individual and group testing of inmates; (b) individual and group testing of prison personnel; and (c) participation on the Classification Committee. The past year has seen an improvement in the office accommodation for the Psychologist, and this has resulted in several benefits: (1) More favourable conditions under which to administer tests and to conduct interviews, and (2) some expansion of the individual testing programme, especially of prison personnel. With reference to personnel, some observations can now be made on the results of group tests administered to them. It is noted, for example, that on the Otis Employment Test the majority of those tested obtained scores in the upper one-third of the test range. When the test scores of those persons who had left the employ of the Gaol were inspected, it became apparent that the same general results held true for them, too. Therefore, it would appear, on the basis of inspection alone, that it is not because of a lack of mental ability that most personnel have been leaving the Gaol service, and that, in fact, this may be considered a minor causative factor (a graphic illustration of the test results is shown in Fig. 1). It would seem, too, that a fairly high standard of mental ability is being maintained in the prison staff; that is, most of the staff might be classed as high average or above average in so far as mental capacity as measured by this type of test is concerned. It is hoped that time will be available in the coming year for a more rigorous and comprehensive appraisal of the statistical data which have now been accumulated both on prison personnel and inmates. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 37 3 C V U (J. 52 50 48 46 44 42 40 38 36 34 32 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 ■j V IP 1 If P IP 1 IP a IP ■ il l ggggg W///M 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Scores 50 55 60 65 70 75 Fig. 1. Comparison of test results of Otis Employment Tests (I) administered between March, 1953, and March, 1955, to 141 Oakalla male personnel who remained on staff during this period (diagonal lines) and 126 Oakalla male personnel who left the Gaol service during the same period (cross-diagonal lines). Respectfully submitted. R. V. McAllister, Gaol Psychologist. P 38 BRITISH COLUMBIA REPORT OF PROTESTANT CHAPLAIN E. G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit the annual report of the Protestant Chaplain, Provincial Gaol Service, for the year ended March 31st, 1955. The word " grace " is one of the strong words of the New Testament, and basic in the Christian's faith. It denotes more than a " kindly " attitude of God to man, and is used to describe God's redeeming and transforming power which can be released in man's life. How this power is released in man's life is of utmost importance. The prison chaplain is primarily concerned that his programme should function in such a way as to help prepare the inmate for the release of this divine, redeeming, and transforming power. A threefold programme of public worship, study, and counsel is therefore planned to this end. It is true, of course, that many inmates will not accept it. It is equally true that many citizens of the community will not accept it. Yet the programme of the church continues. So the programme of the prison chaplain continues much as in previous years, with its sole objective being the spiritual welfare of the prisoner, admitting that the crime problem in the world to-day is yet a spiritual problem. " The art of self-discipline which makes it possible for a man to live without offending himself, his family, and his community is the product of both a gratitude for a fife given by the Creator and a dedication to those tenets for which the Creator stands. Consequently, religion is life, and nothing can separate the two. But the offender, consciously or unconsciously, endeavours to do just that . . . separate religion from life." Since this is the case, this threefold spiritual programme is geared to the attempt to relate religion to life, always and under all circumstances. Public worship must be related to the inmate's problems—his spiritual need must be made apparent to him in a practical fashion. Discussion groups and study groups must be approached with this need in the mind of the leader, and all counsel must have this spiritual overtone if it is to be truly effective. 1. Public Worship Services of worship are held regularly each Sunday and in all institutions in the Greater Vancouver area. The Chaplain conducts a service at 9 a.m. at New Haven which is attended by all Protestant inmates. At 1.15 p.m. a service is held at Oakalla Prison Farm of a voluntary nature, which has an average attendance of 300 inmates. At 2.15 p.m. services are held at the Young Offenders' Unit and at the Women's Gaol. The attendances at the Young Offenders' Unit have shown a marked increase. This is due, it is felt, to an increased use of the services of the various church groups which conduct the service at Oakalla Prison Farm. On December 12th, 1954, Bishop Godfrey P. Gower, Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster, dedicated an altar built by the inmates of the Young Offenders' Unit. The service, which was attended by the Inspector of Gaols, Warden Hugh Christie, and staff and inmates of the Young Offenders' Unit, was most impressive, and its impact on the inmates was markedly evident. The policy of inviting co-operation from the major Protestant denominations was continued again this year. Clergymen and choirs of various churches led in the services of worship and contributed greatly to the effectiveness of these services. The attitude and behaviour of the inmates reflect the high calibre and careful planning of the services by the visiting groups. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 39 Monthly services are conducted by the Salvation Army, the Anglican Church, the United Church, and the Union Gospel Mission. When there is a fifth Sunday, the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches alternate. During the year twenty-eight churches were represented by their ministers and choirs. Appropriate services were held on the major Christian festivals, with holy communion administered to eight inmates on Christmas Day and five on Easter Day. There was one confirmation during the year. At New Haven and at Oakalla Prison Farm the Chaplain conducted services on Remembrance Day. At Oakalla Prison Farm 231 inmates were present, among whom were many veterans. Bibles and New Testaments are available to those who request them. There is no attempt made toward a general distribution, although if a grant were made for such distribution, it might effectively be used in the initial interview at New Haven, Women's Gaol, and the Young Offenders' Unit. There is a small library of books for guided reading along religious lines available in the Chaplain's office, and many of these books are in constant circulation. Religious periodicals, mostly second hand, are placed in the chapel for distribution and appear to be widely read. The Sunday evening " hymn-sing " at Oakalla Prison Farm, conducted by Mr. J. B. Taylor, of the Y.M.C.A., was held monthly from October to April. Several additional " hymn-sings " were held also in response to many requests. Inmates choose the hymns they wish to sing, there is one visiting soloist, and the leader gives a five-minute inspirational talk. The constant high attendance at these gatherings is an indication of the sustained interest in such a programme. On July 4th the Salvation Army Citadel Band conducted an open-air service in the Oakalla ball park. This was attended by inmates of the Women's Gaol, the Young Offenders' Unit, and Oakalla. It was estimated that over 90 per cent of the inmate population were in attendance, and the programme appeared to be greatly appreciated. 2. The Study Programme Voluntary and informal groups meet regularly with the Chaplain both at the Young Offenders' Unit and New Haven. Ten to fifteen inmates are in attendance, and the group discussions are based on Bible study and questions concerning religion which are suggested by the inmates themselves. The use of visual-aid films has been continued again this year through the co-operation of the British and Foreign Bible Society branch in Vancouver. Once each week a religious film is screened at the Young Offenders' Unit and New Haven. Following the film there is normally a discussion period which stresses positive Christian training. It has been evident that such films have helped inmates to remember the facts, increased the taste for the reading of the Bible, and appealed in a healthy way to the emotions. There were seventy-two separate film-showings during the fall and winter months, all of which were followed by discussion. Reasoning with inmates, not preaching at them, is not only what they want, but what they need, in public and in private, as groups and as individuals. Alcoholics Anonymous Authorities are agreed as to the merits of this organization in rehabilitating the alcoholics. A significant impact upon inmate personality problems is derived from the A.A. group, particularly because outside citizens are showing an interest by their visit, and frequently by holding out a helping hand to the inmate upon discharge. Meetings are held once each week on Tuesday evenings. 3. Counselling At the Women's Gaol, the Young Offenders' Unit, and New Haven the Chaplain, wherever possible, interviews the new inmate as part of the admission procedure. Fre- P 40 BRITISH COLUMBIA quently this affords an opportunity to establish a personal relationship with the inmate, which may develop into a situation where some intensive counselling is possible. This can, of course, be undertaken in only a very few cases. Normally about twelve inmates per week are dealt with in an intensive fashion. Requests for interviews come in large numbers and deal with a variety of problems. The willingness of the Probation Branch to undertake some of the outside contacts has relieved the Chaplain to some extent. The daily record indicates that 1,792 interviews were granted at Oakalla, 173 at the Women's Gaol, 168 at the Young Offenders' Unit, and 239 at New Haven. 4. Public Relations In a period when there is an aroused interest in penal reform, the Chaplain is able to act in an interpretative role to a certain section of the community. Requests are frequently received from churches, service clubs, and various small groups, and during the past year thirteen addresses were given on the function of the Chaplain in the correctional process. An interview conducted over radio station CKWX on a United Church programme gave additional publicity to the Chaplain's work. Conclusion The response of inmates to the work of the Chaplain and the increasing use of the Chaplain's services by relatives of inmates, other clergy, and the public in general suggest an extension of this phase of the programme as soon as possible. I would again stress the potential value of theological students being employed on a part-time basis. Not only could the discussion-group type of programme be enlarged to include other groups of inmates, but the experience gained therefrom would be of great practical value to the student ministers in their training. The amount of money involved would not be large, and the results of such a programme would amply justify the additional expenditure. The co-operation and support of the Salvation Army, the John Howard Society, the Elizabeth try Society, and the Vancouver Council of Churches are once again gratefully acknowledged. The Vancouver branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society merits special thanks for grants of Bibles and New Testaments, as does also the Gideons Society of Canada. The co-operation and support of directors and staffs of the various units have been most, generous. Warden Hugh Christie has offered many valuable suggestions from his wide experience, which have proved most helpful. In acknowledging my indebtedness to my fellow-workers and those in positions of authority, I would especially acknowledge the guidance and encouragement which you, Sir, as Inspector of Gaols, have so generously given to me once again during the past year. Respectfully submitted. W. D. Grant Hollingworth, Protestant Chaplain. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 41 REPORT OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN E.G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—Herewith is submitted the report of the Roman Catholic Chaplain for the period September 30th, 1954, to March lst, 1955. Four hundred and sixty-nine notification slips were received specifying that inmates were of the Catholic faith. One hundred and ninty-four inmates stated that they would like to be interviewed as soon as possible. One hundred and seventy inmates did not wish to be interviewed (but were, nevertheless). One hundred and five Catholic inmates requested special interviews. Eighteen Protestant inmates requested special interviews. Twenty-six inmates (no religion) requested special interviews. Catholic Inmates' Reasons for Wanting to Be Interviewed 1. Return to the sacraments (confession and holy communion). 2. Solution to domestic problems. 3. Solution to financial problems. 4. To seek compensation for work done (employer-employee relationships). 5. To obtain work. 6. To obtain room and board when released from Oakalla. 7. To cash cheques and money-orders. 8. To obtain legal assistance. 9. To obtain city welfare relief for families. 10. To obtain probation. 11. To buy tobacco, eye-glasses, tooth-paste, candy, etc. 12. To perform errands. 13. To visit sick wives, relatives, or girl friends in city hospitals. 14. To obtain clothes—shoes, suits, coats, hats, shirts, etc. 15. To obtain financial assistance to return to eastern parts of Canada. Protestant Inmates' Reasons for Wanting to Be Interviewed Besides the fourteen reasons (material assistance) stated above for the Catholic inmates, the majority of the Protestant inmates wanted to take instructions in the Catholic religion. Six of these eighteen inmates had the proper and valid attitude and dispositions for conversion to the Church. The remaining twelve inmates wanted to become Catholics because they were going to marry Catholic girls; this is not a sufficient or valid reason for conversion to the Church. Hence they were advised not to take instructions, for the present time, unless they were intellectually and rationally convinced that they should join the Church. (Note.—There exists a clear and perfect understanding between the Protestant Chaplain and the Catholic Chaplain concerning non-Catholics who wish to become Catholics.) Catholic Inmates' Reasons for Not Wanting to Be Interviewed 1. Shame. 2. Could not speak English. 3. Indifference toward religion. 4. Fell away from the sacraments and the doctrines of the Church. P 42 BRITISH COLUMBIA 5. Short-term sentences (thirty days, etc.). 6. Fear of revealing identity. Young Offenders' Unit The Catholic population of this particular unit is rather small. Very few have asked for material assistance. When they are eligible for parole, they will ask if a position or some kind of work might be attainable to assure them of parole. In co-operation with the authorities at the Young Offenders' Unit, the Knights of Columbus, with the assistance of the Catholic Chaplain, presented a two-hour variety concert during the Christmas holidays. A Christmas bingo was held during the holidays; bingo cards and prizes (cartons of cigarettes and boxes of candy bars) were donated by the Catholic Chaplain. In January another bingo was held for the members of the Young Offenders' Unit. Bingo cards and prizes (cigarettes and candy bars) were again donated by the Catholic Chaplain. New Haven Borstal The Catholic population at this institution is very small, and no requests were made for material assistance. The authorities of this institution provide for the wants and needs of their inmates in a magnificent manner. The Catholic Chaplain gives instructions to the Catholic inmates every Friday afternoon for one hour. During the months of October, November, and December, 1954, Sunday services were held once a month. As of January, 1955, permission was granted by the Archbishop of Vancouver to say mass on Sundays at this institution. Consequently mass will be celebrated and the sacraments will be administered weekly. Haney Prison The Catholic population of this institution is very small. As of January the Catholic Chaplain has been visiting and instructing the Catholic inmates twice a month (usually every other Monday evening from 7 to 9 o'clock). During personal interviews, requests were asked for clothing, work, financial assistance, and room and board until work was obtainable. Women's Gaol at Oakalla During the months of October, November, and December, 1954, interviews and instructions were held every Monday evening for the Catholic population of this unit of the Prison Farm. As of January, instructions are held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Mass has been celebrated every Sunday, and the sacraments administered as of September 26th, 1954. On February 14th a bingo was held for the entire population of this institution. The prizes (cigarettes and 1-pound boxes of candy) were donated by the Catholic Chaplain. Women inmates' reasons for wanting to be interviewed were (1) to write letters, (2) to obtain legal assistance, and (3) domestic and family relief. Summary Religious Activities 1. The holy sacrifice of the mass is celebrated every Sunday for the Catholic population of Oakalla. Non-Catholics are cordially welcomed to attend. Mass is celebrated at 8.15 a.m. 2. Confessions (sacrament of penance) are heard at the convenience of the penitents and always before mass on Sundays. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 43 3. The epistles and the Sunday gospels are explained, and a sermon of Catholic doctrines is delivered during the Sunday mass. 4. Distribution of religious articles (rosary beads, medals, crucifixes) to the inmates, free of charge. 5. Two hundred and fifty copies of the New Testament have been distributed, free of charge, to the Catholic inmates. 6. Six non-Catholics (with a perfect understanding between the Protestant Padre and the Catholic Chaplain) were converted to the Catholic religion. 7. The Legion of Mary—a group of Catholic professional men—with the Catholic Chaplain visit those inmates who wish to be interviewed and to learn their Catholic duties more intelligently. 8. The Catholic Chaplain, with the approval of proper authorities, is taking care of the spiritual welfare of three inmates in the death cell. Women's Gaol 1. Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 9.30 a.m. for the Catholic population of this institution. 2. Confessions are heard every Saturday afternoon and before mass on Sunday. 3. The same activities are carried on at the Women's Gaol as are listed for the men above. 4. Legion of Mary meeting on every second Monday of the month. New Haven Borstal 1. Every Friday afternoon, for one hour, the Catholic population at this institution receive special instructions in the Catholic catechism and the teachings of the Church. 2. As of January lst, 1955, the Catholic Chaplain has received permission from the Archbishop of Vancouver to trinate on Sundays. This means that the Chaplain can celebrate three masses on Sunday. As of the first Sunday in January, mass has been said at New Haven at 11 o'clock. 3. Copies of the Holy Bible, prayer books, and rosary beads have been distributed to the boys at this institution. Haney Gaol 1. The Catholic Chaplain visits this institution with members of the Legion of Mary every two weeks. Arrangements are being made to have mass celebrated on Sundays by the local Catholic clergy. 2. Literature and religious articles have been distributed freely to the Catholic men. Material Assistance 1. Jobs and excellent positions have been obtained for twenty-seven men from Oakalla. 2. Room and board was given for thirty-eight former inmates until jobs were obtained for them. 3. Train fare was given to thirteen men to return to their home towns and to their families. 4. Clothing in excellent condition was given to fifty-six former inmates. 5. Tobacco, candy bars, and tooth-paste were given to inmates who requested the same. This single item amounted to $326. 6. A dozen inmates (before their release) had their clothes dry-cleaned and pressed. 7. Games, with cigarettes, tobacco, and candy bars as prizes, at the discretion of the proper authorities, are held for inmates of the Young Offenders' Unit. 8. Games, with the same prizes, were held for the women in the Women's Gaol. P 44 BRITISH COLUMBIA 9. Candy bars and cigarettes are distributed to all the inmates at Haney (twice a month) when the Chaplain and the Legion of Mary visit these men. 10. Legal assistance by Mr. Raymond Hughes was given to a dozen inmates. Respectfully submitted. Thomas M. McAvoy, S.P.M., Roman Catholic Chaplain. REPORT ON IN-SERVICE TRAINING ACTIVITIES IN PROVINCIAL INSTITUTIONS DURING THE YEAR 1954-55 E.G.B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C Sir,—Staff training courses continued intermittently at Oakalla and New Haven during the report period. The bulk of the training at Oakalla consisted of basic courses for newly employed officers, but some instruction was made available to senior staff at a more advanced level. The sessions at New Haven concentrated upon the use of human- relations techniques by staff members in the treatment of young offenders. Training activities in both institutions followed the general patterns described in previous reports. The end of the report period saw the laying of plans for a reorganization of the in-service training programme, and these plans were being implemented at the date of this writing. The major element of the new approach is the establishment of a staff training-school to operate directly under the authority of the Inspector of Gaols. This school will largely replace the basic and advanced training courses which had previously been provided on a decentralized basis within particular institutions or subdivisions thereof. Each institution, however, will continue to offer certain specialized training designed to orient new staff to specific duties and responsibilities. The staff training- school will provide periodic training cycles for staff assigned to Oakalla, New Haven, the gaols in the Interior of the Province, and the Probation Branch. The basic purpose of the reorganization is to co-ordinate and centralize training programmes which serve the different operating units, to achieve a more thorough and rounded training than has been possible under the previous system, and to develop in staff a sense of membership in the prison service as a whole. This development may be seen as a logical stage in the growth of our correctional services, particularly in view of the need to recruit and prepare a sizeable number of officers and other personnel for the new gaol near Haney. It is hoped that the training-school may be a positive factor in the recruitment and retention (as well as the development) of competent staff. There has been continued co-operation between the personnel of the prison service and the criminology division of the University, with a very gratifying exchange of teaching and consultative services within the framework of the arrangement described in earlier reports. This provision for interaction between theory and practice has proved valuable to the University as well as the field. Respectfully submitted. E. K. Nelson, Staff Training Officer. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 45 NELSON GAOL E. G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Nelson Provincial Gaol for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 1955. Administration During the past year the number of inmates received and handled at this institution has been lower than in the last fiscal year due to more employment in the district. Staff Changes The only staff change during the year with the addition of Mr. K. A. Anderson to the strength. Population The population at the Gaol at the beginning of the year was 30. There were 451 inmates received and 461 inmates discharged during the year, leaving a total of 20 inmates in the Gaol at the beginning of the new fiscal year. The peak of the Gaol population was 43, with the lowest being 14. The daily average for the year was 40.16, as against 44.7 last year, a decrease of 4.54. Welfare and Recreation As in the past, the inmates not working on the outside gang are allowed the freedom of the cell blocks during the day, and, when weather permits, one hour of exercise is allowed in the exercise yards daily except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. During this exercise period the inmates may play quoits, which they seem to enjoy very much. In the evenings the inmates are allowed to play ping-pong or listen to the radio between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m., when the lights are turned off. As in the previous year, the inmates are shown a picture show every Wednesday night at 7 o'clock. The library is still stocked with some very good books. Fire drill is being carried out weekly, as suggested by the local fire chief. Religious Services There have been no changes in the religious service programme during the last year. The Salvation Army service is still held on Sunday mornings between the hours of 10 and 11 a.m. Other denominations have their service during the balance of the day. Medical Welfare The general health of the inmates in the past year has been very good, with only a few cases having to be hospitalized at the local hospital. One of these cases, Mr. Pong Wing, passed away. According to Dr. F. M. Auld, the Gaol Surgeon, and also the Coroner, this man passed away due to heart failure and old age. As in the past, all inmates on entering the Gaol are X-rayed for tuberculosis. Maintenance and Construction During the past year a new tile floor has been laid in the Gaol kitchen. This has provided better sanitary and working conditions. The Public Works Department has installed a new fence between the Government parking-lot and Gaol garden, as the previous fence was in very poor condition. P 46 BRITISH COLUMBIA A buzzer and intercommunications system has been installed between the Gaol office and the workshop in the Gaol yard, which is a great advantage to the office and the outside guard. Panelling work has been done in the Warden's quarters, with the bathroom, stairway, and hallway being done. The inside of the Gaol has been painted a light-green colour by prison labour. This has improved its appearance greatly. I wish to mention that I am still awaiting the construction of a two-car garage next to the Gaol, also some of the fences around the Gaol are in bad need of repairing as they are likely to fall over at any time. Farm Work Prison labour in the Gaol garden produced vegetables to the estimated value of $497.59, this being a decrease over the past years. This decrease was caused by blight in some of the vegetables. Discipline Discipline in the Gaol during the past year has been very good, with only six breaches of the Prison Regulations, which were only of a minor nature. On a few occasions, warnings have been issued, which seem to have been very effective. Summary In closing, I would like to mention the co-operation and manner in which my Deputy Warden and the guards under him have performed their duties during the past year. Respectfully submitted. A. Tulloch, Warden. KAMLOOPS GAOL E. G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit the annual report of the Kamloops Provincial Gaol for the year ended March 31st, 1955. Population 1953-54 1954-55 Received (male and female) 1,017 1,041 Transferred to Oakalla Prison Farm 131 85 Total number of days' stay 11,008 13,152 The above excerpts from the summary of annual statistics show an increase from the previous year, in prisoners received and total number of days' stay, also a decrease in transfers to Oakalla Prison Farm over the previous year. This was made possible by the addition of the west cell block (Cap 17) (formerly the offices used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Kamloops City Detachment). Maintenance and Construction We completed several projects for the Department and also for the Department of Public Works during the year, summarized as follows:— 1. The alterations and renovations proposed in 1953-54, covering the following named portions of the Gaol, were completed: Main office, west cell block, main dormitory, east dormitory, Women's quarters, Gaol vestibule, and Warden's office. The r REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 47 extra accommodation and modernization of the aforementioned portions of the Gaol raised the standard to a parity with other institutions of this type, taking into consideration the age and structure of the building. We still have the basement, excluding the kitchen, to remodel and the exterior of the Gaol to paint. 2. We finished a works programme for the Department of Public Works (Provincial Home central-heating project). This entailed a large crew, all manual labour. The project was as follows: Excavating and back-filling the ditch from the Royal Inland Hospital to the Provincial Home (approximately 620 lineal feet; dimensions of ditch, 6 by 6 feet), and also the expansion joints and tunnelling the hospital road; the excavating and back-filling for the storage tank (10,500 gallons), and auxiliary tank (500 gallons) (dimensions, 46 by 12 by 20 feet); excavating and backfilling ditch from tanks to heating plant (6 by 7 to 9Vi feet length, 120 lineal feet); dismantling old boilers and excavating the floor (3-foot area, 1,320 square feet); removing all debris from all points and hauling same to make roads on the Gaol property, hauling done by Gaol tractor; all sill, side, tops, and component parts of steam-box painted and moved to all points by prison labour; removed roof from heating plant and readied same prior to contractor installing new roof; excavated and poured concrete walls for new workshop at the rear of the heating plant. 3. The Provincial departments within the Gaol area have availed themselves of our services during the year. We have supplied Mr. Merridew, Provincial Home gardener, with sufficient men to maintain the lawns, gardens, and greenhouse under his control. The Provincial Home cemetery detail has improved the cemetery area and excavated and refilled nineteen graves during the year. 4. I wish to voice my appreciation to those members of the staff and inmates of Oakalla Prison Farm that worked on the new space-saving mess table, constructed by them for this institution. Farm and Gardens The farm, under the supervision of the Deputy Warden, J. D. H. Stewart, had a successful year. The increased yield in the root-crop made it possible to sell and ship 10 tons of potatoes to Oakalla Prison Farm. The main crops were stored in our root- cellars and lasted until the end of March, 1955. The apple-crop was lighter (approximately 200 boxes); this was stored and used by the Provincial Home and the prisoners confined at this Gaol. The alfalfa hay was cut, stacked, and taken to Tranquille farm during the winter months (approximately 35 tons). We had a light crop of mature onions owing to the inclement weather during the late summer and fall. Medical Care The general health of our inmate population was good, there being no major operations or epidemics, and only eight days' hospital facilities used during the year. The doctors from the Burris Clinic have served as Gaol surgeons whenever called to examine or treat any inmate needing medical care. Welfare and Recreation I again report no change, owing to the extensive works programme and the alterations being made in the Gaol proper. We hope in the near future to be able to install radio, using single earphones instead of loud-speakers. Escapes and Recaptures On October 27th, 1954, at approximately 2 p.m., Carl Anderson, K.P.G. No. A 9976, escaped lawful custody. p 48 british columbia Discipline Discipline has been well maintained throughout the year, breaches of Gaol Rules and Regulations amounting to four. In all cases, charges were laid before me, and all offenders found guilty and sentenced to a period of time in the confinement cell with loss of all privileges. Staff I would like to commend to you the good work of the staff at the Kamloops Gaol during the past year. They have certainly co-operated both in their attention to routine duties and in ready application to extra duties whenever called. Summary In closing, I would draw your attention to our works programme—Provincial Home central-heating project. This was a large undertaking for us, but we were able to fulfil our commitments, and have on file a letter of appreciation from Mr. Mills of the Public Works Department. Respectfully submitted. Warden. PRINCE GEORGE MEN'S GAOL E. G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit the annual report of the Prince George Provincial Men's Gaol for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 1955. Population The institution was crowded all year long. Average daily population during the year was 30.68 prisoners, with 172 prisoners being transferred to Oakalla Prison Farm during the year. Administration Administration is carried out by one guard-clerk and myself. The work is accomplished with difficulty, as all movement of the prison goes through the office. With prisoners moving to Court, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, to work and for exercise, and also being admitted and with visits taking place at the same time, it makes it very difficult to do the office work. At the new gaol being constructed, this will be remedied. Maintenance and Construction During the year the Men's Gaol was painted twice inside and once outside by prison labour. The front half of the fence at the Women's Gaol was painted. A cement walk was built at the entrance to the Women's Gaol, and the boulevard outside the fence was landscaped. Snow was shovelled at the Women's Gaol, keeping the walks and roads and fire-gate clear. The ashes were hauled away from the Government Building and the Women's Gaol. The sidewalks and the parking-lot at the Government Building were kept clear of snow. The basement of the Government Building was painted throughout, and the office, clinic, kitchen, and boiler-room at the Women's Gaol. For ten months of the year a guard and five prisoners have worked at the new gaol site five and a half days a week clearing up the debris at the perimeter of the clearing for the building. As the bulldozers just pushed all stumps and roots to the edge of the REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 49 clearing, this has been a big undertaking. This work at the present time is about half finished. The new gaol is well on the way to being completed. This is a well-constructed building and is built for utility and attractively finished on the inside. This will provide a place where a prison work plan can be accomplished. There will also be facilities for recreation. Farm and Garden This Gaol has a small garden the size of two city lots. This small area was intensely cultivated. We started in April with a hotbed where flowers and some vegetables were started. The flower-garden was an attractive asset to the Government Building and Gaol. Vegetables and flowers were entered in the Prince George and District Fall Fair for competition. First prizes were taken for carrots, cucumbers, and vegetable marrow in the vegetable division. First prizes were taken for pansies, asters, petunias, and salpiglossis. Second prizes were taken for asters (four blooms of one variety), Antirrhinum (two classes), phlox, Drummondi (two classes), and hollyhocks. Zinnias took third prize. Welfare and Recreation Recreation is limited to playing catch in the exercise period and reading books supplied by the library. However, a small carpenter-shop was established in the garage to make toys as a hobby for underprivileged children at Christmas. This was started October lst, 1954. One of the staff loaned a power-saw. Eighty-five substantial toys were made, such as wagons, wheelbarrows, rockers, and kiddy cars, etc. The wood was donated by local contractors. The toys were constructed at the Men's Gaol and painted at the Women's Gaol. Forty toys were given to the Salvation Army and forty to the Canadian Legion. Five were given to underprivileged children of inmates. All inmates engaged seemed to enjoy this work. Escapes We had one escape from a work party at the new gaol site. This man was recaptured the same day by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He was later charged and convicted of this offence and sentenced to six months. Discipline Discipline was well maintained throughout the year, with twelve inmates being charged with breaches of the Gaol Rules and Regulations. These were all sentenced to short terms of solitary confinement. Staff Training Course Four members of the staff attended the training course at Oakalla Prison Farm during the year. Six of the staff here have now had this course. This course is highly beneficial in the training of guards. Summary In summary, I wish to thank a loyal and efficient staff for a successful year. When the new gaol opens we will have more scope for work and developing a recreational programme. Respectfully submitted. Wm. Trant, Warden. P 50 BRITISH COLUMBIA PRINCE GEORGE WOMEN'S GAOL E. G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—I am honoured to submit to you a report of the Women's Provincial Gaol in Prince George. The year 1954-55 was a normal year. Our average count for the year was 26.02. The discipline of the Gaol has been well maintained. A small fire was started in a cell in the north wing, which was quickly extinguished and there was no serious damage. This year we have had two religious services per month conducted by the Salvation Army. These services are well attended. Recently another group, the Evangelical Free Church, has taken an interest in us and visits twice a month. This is mostly a song service and much appreciated. Dr. McKenzie visits weekly and whenever needed. We appreciate his work with us, as he is most understanding toward the inmates. This year we had one girl transferred to the Tranquille Sanatarium. The public health nurse visits weekly and is valuable to us. The local Film Board supplies a film for us twice monthly. This is a break which is greatly enjoyed by all. During the Christmas week there was a full-length picture— a comedy, which all enjoyed. The Warden and staff donated funds to pay for this film. The garden was very good this year. The inmates did practically all the work. Despite a very wet season, everything grew well and the flowers were pretty. We were allowed to compete at the Prince George and District Fall Fair in September. I am very proud to say that we got prizes in several sections for flowers, vegetables, and handiwork. The occupational therapy has progressed well. Competing at the fair, we had a large exhibit of patchwork quilts, hooked rugs, leatherwork, copper and aluminium-foil pictures and frames, and woodwork, besides a great deal of knitting, embroidering, and crocheting. Exhibits from the kitchen consisted of canning, pickling, and baking. The inmates took a keen interest in the fair and really worked hard to make it the splendid display it was. The prizes we received included seven firsts, twelve seconds, six thirds, and one special prize for a wood-burned coffee table. Our building is in good shape. The roof was well repaired during the summer, and we have no trouble with leaking ceilings any more. The four hall floors were laid with inlaid linoleum, and also one office. These are splendid, and the matrons and inmates alike are interested in keeping them well polished and shining at all times. We had a great deal of inside painting done, and the fence was partly painted. We hope to get the rest done this year. The kitchen is busy always. This year we canned 60 quarts of small carrots, 100 quarts of beets, 20 quarts of cauliflower, 5 quarts of peas, and 40 quarts of rhubarb. We also canned a quantity of blueberries and crab-apples which were donated to us, and 60 pints of grape jelly was made. Besides this, 200 quarts of several kinds of pickles were made. Inmates in the laundry have also been busy. Blankets, towels, etc., come from the Men's Gaol three times weekly and are returned thoroughly clean. Along with this, the regular daily washing and ironing is always done promptly. Those in the sewing- room have worked well. Mending has been done for the Men's Gaol, and also a great deal of mending and the making of new articles for the Prince George and District Hospital. Patchwork quilts were given to the Red Cross for fire victims. Christmas, New Year, and Easter Days we had special meals. Most of the treats were gifts from outside donors, including the Swift Canadian Company, Kelly-Douglas, W. H. Malkin Company, and the local branch of the Moose Lodge. We have received 200 new books from the prison librarian. Our library now boasts of a very good selection of books, both educational and entertaining, which provide many hours of pleasure among the inmates. J REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 51 Warden Trant has been a tower of strength to me during the year, and many times I have gone to him with my worries and he has shown me they were not too serious. Matrons and guards are co-operative and are willing to do a good job. I have appreciated, Sir, your visits to this Gaol, and I thank you for your advice. Respectfully submitted. (Mrs.) J. H. McKenzie, Matron in Charge. HANEY CAMP PROJECT Hugh G. Christie, Esq., Warden, Oakalla Prison Farm. Sir,—I have the honour to submit a progress report on the Haney Camp Project from its inception in September, 1954, to April lst, 1955. Background In recent years there has been an increasing awareness of the limitations of existing penal institutions in providing segregation, individualized treatment, the fostering of good work habits, and special training for criminal offenders in order to effect their successful rehabilitation to the community. With greater accommodation in our prisons and the introduction of a number of modern correctional measures, this situation is rapidly improving. However, the need for alternative resources to meet the special requirements of offenders has become increasingly evident. It is gratifying to observe that more and more consideration is being given to the extension of our probation and parole services and the establishment of institutions of lesser security as effective and less costly means of treating offenders. The present camp programme can be considered as a continuation of the former scheme. Administratively, it was founded on a more secure basis. It is operated by one Provincial Government department only, which has proven to be a decided advantage. Under the direction of the Oakalla administration it has been much easier to obtain competent staff, and the victualling of the camp has been far less costly. Its location has permitted year-round function, whereas the location of the former camps, in the Lower Arrow Lake area, necessitated winter closure. Inmate Population The prison camp is located on Twenty-first Avenue in the Municipality of Maple Ridge, about AV2 miles from Haney. It is situated on the western edge of the property purchased by the Provincial Government, upon which the new correctional institution is being constructed. The camp was set up on the site of an old sawmill. The mill had been dismantled, leaving a small house and some outbuildings. Prior to occupying the property, several work parties were sent out from Oakalla to make the buildings ready for occupancy. On September 3rd, 1954, fourteen inmates were transferred from Oakalla to the camp, where they remained under the supervision of Oakalla guards. The inmate population remained constant for about three weeks, until three large marquee tents could be erected. The population was increased then to forty-eight. Each week discharges occurred, and reinforcements were received each Sunday to bring the inmate population up to capacity. Thus the population tended to fluctuate between forty and forty-eight. With the erection of two bunk-houses during February, 1955, we were able to increase the prisoner population to sixty. Since then the population has fluctuated between fifty and sixty. P 52 BRITISH COLUMBIA Aims and Purposes of the Programme During the first few months of operation the work programme was confined to the building-site of the proposed prison near Webster's Corner. This entailed the clearing of stumps, trees, and debris from the 8-acre area where the buildings are now being erected. In addition to this, we felled and slashed the right-of-way for the main access road that will eventually lead from Twenty-first Avenue to the institution. While carrying out these projects, we salvaged a good deal of material for use in the main prison, such as fence-posts, hand-split shakes, and a good deal of cedar for the construction of a drainage system on the Oakalla ball fields. Last February a small sawmill was made up from scrap parts and was set up very close to our camp. The stump-clearing and right- of-way projects entailed a great many man-hours of work, but we managed to complete the job before the contract was awarded to the company that is now doing the construction of the prison. Last spring we were given permission to use prison labour to build the road-bed on the right-of-way that we had cleared from Twenty-first Avenue to the prison- site, and we also embarked upon a project in Garibaldi Park. This project included the widening of the right-of-way on an existing road from the Maple Ridge property line to Alouette Lake. The right-of-way is to be widened to 100 feet over a distance of AV2 miles. A more complete description of these projects will be given later. Throughout the period the camp has been in operation, we have been fortunate enough to have good constructive work projects for the inmates. The camp has provided a further resource for the segregation of prisoners and has given them an opportunity to earn a sum of money to have on release from custody. For each full working-day the inmates are paid the sum of $1, which is withheld until his day of discharge. In addition to this, $1 a week is deposited in his trust fund in the Bursar's office. From this he may purchase tobacco, chocolate bars, and other commissary supplies. The camp has provided a healthful atmosphere for people who, otherwise, would have more idle time on their hands. There is no doubt that in the camp an inmate's health improves and he is more fitted to accept his responsibilities as a citizen after his discharge. Administrative Framework The camp has been under the direct administration of Oakalla and has been financed almost wholly by Oakalla funds. All inmates are received from the Main Gaol after having served a portion of their respective sentences, and the guards are members of the prison staff. The camp is equipped and provisioned by the main prison, and much of its administration is carried out through the Oakalla offices. Thus it is an adjunct to the main prison, and its administration procedures are similar to that of another wing or unit. The policies, rules, and regulations of Oakalla apply in camp, but because of differences in its function, some of these have been modified considerably. The camp is a unit of minimum security as opposed to maximum security with its armed guards, cell blocks, and other security measures. In the selection of inmates, therefore, care has to be taken to choose those who are unlikely to run away. Inmates are selected also on the basis of their general behaviour while in prison, length of sentence, and personality characteristics. Because all the jobs in camp are of the labouring type, good health is necessary. The ages of the inmates have varied from 16 to 66 years, although the greatest number have been in their twenties and thirties. Some have been first offenders, but there have been some chosen as worthy cases in spite of many rather impressive criminal records. The types of offences for which the prisoners have been sentenced have been of a wide variety. Categories such as sex deviants and narcotic addicts have been excluded, except when their problems have been completely controlled. The length of sentences being served have varied from a few weeks to two years, although only the last four to eight weeks are spent in the camp. Most of the inmates have spent the greatest portion of sentence in Oakalla. Thus the camp programme is essentially REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 53 a pre-release project. It provides a transition stage from life in the Main Gaol to the outside. It also enables a man to earn a few dollars to carry him over until he gains employment and, in the greatest number of cases, a few weeks of steady work makes him better prepared physically and psychologically to take a job on release. Housing As mentioned previously, during the winter months the prisoners were housed in three large marquee tents. The tents were old, but were in serviceable condition after being repaired. During February of this year, one of the tents was replaced by a bunk- house, and an additional bunk-house erected near by. The two remaining tents have suffered considerable abuse, and it is unlikely that they will last through another winter. They will have to be replaced by the construction of at least two more bunk-houses. Each unit accommodates sixteen inmates in double-decker beds. The beds are situated rather closely together and there is little room in each unit for recreation purposes. The inmates, however, are allowed supervised recreation and leisure in the immediate vicinity of the camp, and during the evening hours the dining-room is used as a recreation hall. As a consequence, they are less confined than they would be in the cell units. It is recommended that eventually more 16- by 24-foot bunk-houses be erected, and eight men be placed in each, every man to have a single cot. The rather overcrowded units tend to become dirty easily, and we are obliged to keep two bull cooks permanently employed in the cleaning-up of the building. The kitchen and dining-room comprise one large building and are adequate. The small house on the property has been very convenient to us as an administrative building. One room is used as an office, another as a first-aid room, and a third as a clothing change-room. The attic is used to store tools and equipment as well as some supplies, and another room is used as an officers' locker- room. A small building near the kitchen is used as a saw-filer's shack. Some equipment is stored in the building, and one inmate is kept employed in repairing equipment, sharpening tools, etc. Lavatory facilities are fairly adequate for the time being. A building about 8 by 20 feet includes eight toilets, which we built last fall. A smaller building close by houses a urinal. Within the next three or four months the lavatories should be reconstructed elsewhere. The ablutions room is in a lean-to building abutting the dining-room. There is a sufficient number of hot- and cold-water taps, and the supply of water is good. Nevertheless, the Medical Health Officer of the area has been very critical of our facilities. There is but one shower for sixty men; the recommended number by the Department of Health and Welfare is a minimum of five. At various times during the past year the camp has been inspected by the Medical Officer and the local Sanitary Inspector. We have acted on their recommendations with regard to standards of cleanliness but have not as yet been able to conform to their housing standards. Because of the proximity of the camp to the public road, and the fact that it is not really feasible to erect more buildings because of the limitations of space, it would be wise to eventually move the camp to another location. Employment of Prisoners As mentioned before, the main work project from September, 1954, to April of this year consisted of the clearing of the site of the correctional institution. This entailed the removal of several hundred large stumps of trees that had been felled some years before. An accumulation of logs and other debris had to be cleared away and burned. A daily average of approximately twenty inmates were employed on the project. A gasoline- operated donkey-engine was used to gather the logs and debris together for burning. A great many man-hours were expended on the job. and the progress was slow because P 54 BRITISH COLUMBIA of the almost continuous bad weather during the winter months. The removal of stumps posed a special problem. It was necessary to dig away the ground under each stump and cut the roots by hand. An RD-8 tractor and winch were used to pull the stumps from the ground. The burning of the stumps and logs was a time-consuming task, and the total project took about seven months to complete. In the meantime another gang was employed on the right-of-way from Twenty-first Avenue. We managed to salvage a good deal of material. Hundreds of fence-posts were made from fallen cedar logs, and the shakes that were manufactured were shipped to Oakalla for use on the farm buildings. Some twenty loads of rough cedar were sent in to Oakalla to be used in the making of drains for the ball fields that were under construction at the time, and as a base for the heavy prison fencing where it crosses the swamp area. The make-shift sawmill is capable of producing our needs with regard to lumber. However, it has not been kept in regular use because often we had no means of getting logs out of the bush to the mill. Some of the lumber was used for camp buildings, but most of it was sent in to the main prison. The mill has been a real asset to our programme and has been used for instructional purposes. Fortunately we have had officers with previous experience with this type of machinery, and they have instructed several inmates in the techniques of sawing lumber. There is no doubt that this type of instruction can be of positive value in terms of prisoner rehabilitation. The largest percentage of the inmate population has been engaged in unskilled labour. The few jobs requiring special skills, such as saw-filing, heavy-machinery operators, cooks, etc., have been filled by inmate tradesmen with previous experience. It is recommended that as the programme develops more use be made of our resources to give trade instruction to unskilled inmates. The Garibaldi Park and road-building projects have kept most of our inmates employed since June. A forty-five-passenger bus was acquired to transport inmates to and from the park project, where progress has been very favourable. A representative of the Parks Division of the British Columbia Forest Service has been giving guidance to the operation, and we have been employing an average of thirty inmates on the task for six days each week. In addition to the right-of-way clearing, our men have built a small Forest Service personnel camp on the Mike Lake Road to house the civilian crews that will be brought in to build the new park road this coming autumn. Construction of the road-bed from Twenty-first Avenue to the gaol-site was slow at first. Most of the equipment was of ancient vintage, and this fact, accompanied by a lack of skill on the part of some of our inmate drivers-in-training, retarded progress for a time. During the month of August an experienced officer-mechanic was transferred from Oakalla to supervise the project. Since then the progress has gone ahead very well, and the road-bed is nearing completion. Since the beginning of the camp programme a year ago, we have had the advantage of having good purposeful work programmes at all times. All the work done by the inmates is constructive, and we have not been in the position where we had to " invent " jobs in order to keep men busy. Administratively this is very valuable to us. The inmates gain satisfaction from doing a useful job. The guards have a greater sense of achievement, and morale and discipline are enhanced considerably. Inmates are kept employed on the basis of an eight-hour day for six days each week. In spite of the very inclement weather during the past winter, we missed only three one-half-days of work. Guards are instructed to report all malingerers and inmates who neglect to observe safety precautions on the job. In practice, when an inmate's work habits are inefficient to the extent where he would be discharged by his employer in a normal job situation, we transfer him back to Oakalla as an unsatisfactory inmate. Over the months there have been very few inmates who had to be disciplined this way. Generally speaking, the work programme has been the best feature of the camp, and in terms of the productive work accomplished, our inmates are closer to being self-supporting than in any other unit of Oakalla. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 55 Discipline The maintenance of discipline in a minimum-security institution is somewhat different from that of maximum security. The inmate is given more responsibility in a number of ways. He can, at almost any time, try to run away from the camp and is therefore responsible for maintaining his own custody. Inmates are selected carefully, but with the knowledge that the temptation to leave is a disturbing factor for some of the youthful and immature people. By facing up to the temptation and remaining in camp, the inmate gains moral strength which can have a positive value in his rehabilitation. He also has additional responsibilities concerning work. We insist that he justifies his presence in the unit by doing his full share of productive work. Because of the nature of forestry work, inmates are dependent one on the other for personal safety. We have attempted to make this an educational experience, and many inmates become far more safety conscious after a few weeks with us. Sometimes new officers will equate minimum security with minimum supervision, and will tend to become lax in keeping their charges under observation. Actually a greater degree of supervision is required in a camp such as ours. In the Main Gaol, with its perimeter control over work gangs and recreational groups, and its locked doors, cell blocks, etc., a guard can sometimes be lax in his supervision with little chance of trouble developing. In the camp situation, on the other hand, inmates have greater freedom within the confines of the camp and also on the work gangs, but they do require constant supervision for twenty-four hours a day. Because of the proximity of the camp to a public road, and because a number of the inmates are working fairly close to civilian work crews, precautions must be taken to prevent the entrance of contraband into the camp. Constant vigilance on the part of the staff must be maintained. It is necessary to remind officers of this continually. As time goes by, new officers become increasingly aware of their responsibilities in this regard, and the camp is maintained at a good level of supervision. Inmates are received each Sunday to replace those who have been discharged throughout the preceding week. Usually from five to ten are brought in from Oakalla. On arrival they are briefed by the senior officer in camp, who outlines their responsibilities as inmates and the routine rules and regulations of the camp. They are told what they can expect with regard to privileges and any services we are able to offer. The briefing talk has developed to the point where all the obligations of the inmates concerning work, conduct, etc., are covered. Officers are encouraged to report any infraction of camp rules immediately. Most of these are handled in camp with the imposition of minor penalties, the denial of extra privileges, etc. Offenders of a more serious nature are returned to Oakalla, and formal charges are made in Warden's court. Conclusion During its first year of operation, the Haney Camp Project has been characterized by its emphasis on a sound, constructive, and remunerative work programme to assist inmates in their efforts toward rehabilitation. Potentially it has much more than this to offer. As our resources develop, and as our staff gains in training and experience, we shall be able to introduce more of the modern correctional measures for the prevention of recidivism. We have now reached the stage where it would be more feasible to institute a group therapy programme, more extensive use of social casework services, job-finding services for inmates about to be released, and other remedial features. I would strongly recommend that a permanent forestry camp be established and the present pre-release prison camp programme be maintained and given the opportunity for further development. During the past year I have been convinced of the advantages that a few weeks of camp life have to offer for a long-term prisoner before his release to the community. P 56 BRITISH COLUMBIA I would like to express my appreciation to you for the guidance and co-operation you have given to me as senior officer of the camp. In closing I would draw your attention to the loyal support I have received from the Haney Camp Project staff during the year. Respectfully submitted. _ . _ _ R. M. Deildal, Assistant Deputy Warden, Treatment. PROBATION BRANCH E. G. B. Stevens, Esq., Inspector of Gaols, Court-house, Vancouver, B.C. Sir,—The annual report of the Provincial Probation Branch for the year commencing April lst, 1954, to March 31st, 1955, is submitted with pleasure. As in previous years, certain staff changes were effected. Envisioned in the annual report of the previous year, an office was established at New Westminster in July, and Mr. Putnam, who had been serving the New Westminster district from the Vancouver office, continued in this new branch office which he shared with Mr. R. J. Clark, who covers Burnaby and Lulu Island. Another highlight of the year was the appointment of Miss Mildred M. Wright on June lst, 1954. Miss Wright's appointment has made possible full-time probation services for women in the Greater Vancouver area. Her appointment is also noteworthy in that it has set the precedent for equivalent probation services for women as for men. Mr. A. C. Hare was appointed as a Probation Officer on May 15th, 1954, and shortly after his appointment was transferred to the Nanaimo office to work under the supervision of Mr. McGougan. Mr. Hare's move to the Nanaimo office made possible more adequate coverage to the upper portion of Vancouver Island, while, at the same time, it effected a cut in the case loads for both Mr. McGougan and Mr. Jones. With Mr. Hare's assistance, Mr. McGougan was able to give services to the Duncan area instead of Mr. Jones. Mr. A. Byman also joined the staff in June, 1954, and was employed in the Vancouver Courts until being moved to Nanaimo in January, 1955. Mr. G. G. Wood- hams joined the staff on November 22nd, 1954. His appointment continued full-time probation services to North and West Vancouver, which were interrupted after the resignation of Mr. B. J. C. McCabe on June 30th. In December Mr. R. G. Shepherd was appointed to the staff to work primarily as a follow-up officer with those offenders released on parole from the Young Offenders' Unit and Oakalla Prison Farm by authority of the British Columbia Board of Parole. Mr. O. E. Hollands joined the staff on January lst, 1955, and has, since his appointment, been employed in the Vancouver office. The Branch lost the valued services of Mr. G. G. Myers on March 16th, when he resigned to accept employment in Alberta. In February, 1955, a new branch office was opened at Prince Rupert, and Mr. Hare was moved from Nanaimo to the Prince Rupert office. Coincident with this move, Mr. Byman was moved from Vancouver to Nanaimo. The volume of work done by the Provincial Probation Branch during the current year can readily be seen in the statistical report for the period. One hundred and forty- three cases more than the previous year were placed on probation by the various Courts of the Province, giving a grand total of 831 new probation cases during the year. Of this number, 200 came from Police Courts and the balance from the Juvenile Courts of the Province. This figure constitutes 24 per cent of the total number and is a drop of 13 REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 57 per cent from the previous year. This fall-off in the number of adults being placed on probation may be explained by the interaction of a number of factors, but it is important to note there has not been a drop in the number of pre-sentence reports prepared by the Branch. It is felt the Police Courts using our services are being more selective on the basis of the pre-sentence reports received and are not using probation in cases where this disposition was formerly used because of the more-varied types of institutional treatment which are now available. The number of follow-up cases during the year shows a marked increase over the previous year. It is felt this increase stems from the greater use of the definite and indeterminate sentences in the cases of young offenders appearing in the Police Courts, together with a greater number of referrals for post-discharge supervision since the Boys' Industrial School adopted the policy of release on extended leave. The Provincial Probation Branch has been supervising most cases on extended leave in the areas served by the Branch, with the exception of those cases where the juvenile concerned is a ward of the Superintendent of Child Welfare. The inadequate office accommodation for the Vancouver office, to which attention was drawn in the previous year's report, has not been corrected, and it is felt that the general efficiency of the Vancouver office has been hindered by inadequate office space. It is hoped that more facilities will be provided during the next fiscal year. As in previous years, the Probation Officers of the staff have carried on their interest in general community activities through their participation in meetings and panel discussions on subjects related to the correctional field. In most instances these have taken place during non-working-hours. During this fiscal year, steady progress has been made in providing probation facilities to the Province as a whole. The one major area not yet receiving services—that is, the Prince George area—it is hoped will receive services during the coming year. In the areas presently being serviced, there is need for consolidation and additional staff to bring case loads into line with presently accepted standards. The work of the Provincial Probation Branch during the year has been facilitated by the valued co-operation of allied social agencies. Close co-operation has been maintained with the British Columbia Board of Parole as well as the correctional institutions. This valued co-operation is sincerely appreciated. As at March 31st, 1955, the staff of the Provincial Probation Branch consisted of the following personnel:— Vancouver Office.—E. G. B. Stevens, Provincial Probation Officer; C. D. Davidson, Chief Assistant Provincial Probation Officer; O. E. Hollands, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer; Mildred M. Wright, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer; and R. G. Shepherd, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. North Vancouver Office.-—G. G. Woodhams, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. New Westminster Office.—R. J. Clark, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer, and J. M. Putnam, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. Victoria Office.—A. E. Jones, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. Nanaimo Office.—E. H. B. McGougan, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer, and A. A. Byman, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. Abbotsford Office.—A. L. Langdale, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. Penticton Office.—H. W. Jackson, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. Vernon Office.—D. Guest, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. Nelson Office.—A. W. Garwood, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. Cranbrook Office.—L. D. Howarth, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. Prince Rupert Office.—A. C. Hare, Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. P 58 british columbia Provincial Probation Branch Statistics m ^ CA rf OS tn Os in so rf 1 tn rt Os SO rr 00 r- as Os rf OO TJ" 0\ o tn 1 Os rf Os tn in CN 1 t-l ON w. i <N 1 r. m tn tn 4 0\ « a New probation cases. . New follow-up cases Pre-sentence reports 63 24 49 60 56 54 46 57 31 105 50 84 142 61 117 158 35 122 276 36 262 350 28 349 ~727 455 14 461 930 591 33 472 598 46 638 688 92 736 1 831 |4,363 151 | 683 892 |4,267 Total cases Miscellaneous 136 170 134 239 320 315 574 1,096 74 1,282 178 1,516 151 1,874 |9,313 238 j 641 1 New Probation Cases Apr. 1, 1951. to Mar. 31, 1952 Apr. 1, 1952. to Mar. 31, 1953 Apr. 1, 1953, to Mar. 31, 1954 Apr. 1, 1954, to Mar. 31, 1955 Total Cases. Mav 1. 1942. to Mar. 31, 1955 Under 20 years of age Between 20 and 25 years of age _ Over 25 years of age Married probationers Single probationers 496 49 46 40 551 Total probationers- 591 481 66 51 54 _544_ ~598 527 79 82 83 605 710 65 56 58 773 688 831 3,388 609 366 403 3,960 4,363 New Follow-up Cases Under 20 years of age Between 20 and 25 years of age _ Over 25 years of age Married parolees Single parolees . Total follow-up cases.... 22 11 3 30 33 37 9 1 _45_ 46 70 22 2 90 107 41 3 8 143 92 151 501 165 17 32 651 683 Respectfully submitted. C. D. Davidson, Chief Assistant Provincial Probation Officer. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 59 APPENDIX ANNUAL REPORT OF GAOLS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31st, 1955 Oakalla and Young Offenders' Unit Nelson Kamloops Prince George Total 1 $2,008,451.34 1,633,082.68 $5,435 4.84 $0,767 .80 6,623 7,831 1 $56,527.25 55,675.68 $4.07 3.56 $0,573 .65 451 523 1 $46,782.29 33,160.74 $3.46 3.01 $0,576 .67 1,041 1,017 1 $114,484.84 111,886.34 $5,525 5.80 $1.36 1.35 1,251 1,126 4 2. Total expenditures for gaol maintenance in B.C.— Year ended March 31st, 1955 $2,226,245.72 Year ended March 31st, 1954 1,833,805.37 3. Average total maintenance cost per day per prisoner— Year ended March 31st, 1955 Year ended March 31st, 1954 $4.62 4.57 Average dietary cost per day per prisoner— Year ended March 31st, 1955 Year ended March 31st, 1954 4. Number of prisoners committed— Year ended March 31st, 1955 $0.82 .87 9,366 Year ended March 31st, 1954 .. 10,703 I. Movement of Population, Year Ended March 3 1st, 1955 Oakalla and Young Offenders' Unit Nelson Kamloops Prince George Total On register, April 1st, 1954._ Received— From gaols and lockups.. By transfer By recapture _ By revocation of licence By forfeiture of ticket of leave ... By internal movements From bail O.R. totals Totals.. Discharged—■ By expiry of sentence _ By ticket of leave— By deportation By pardon By escape By death. By payment of fines .__ . By release of Court order (including bail).. By transfer _ By internal movements Licence—B.C. Parole Board. Totals _ On register, March 31st, 1955.. 1,007 5,525 24 11 28 7 884 123 21 7,630 4,216 205 2 16 12 2 182 678 375 884 1,058 6,572 | 30 409 42 31 1,032 2 481 | 1,072 261 1 3 1 21 40 131 3 786 1 130 28 86 76 1,239 11 1 1,327 864 1 138 35 173 65 461 1,031 | 1,278 20 49 1,144 8,205 79 12 28 7 884 130 21 10,510"" 6,127 207 5 17 14 3 471 781 765 952 9,342 1,168 P 60 BRITISH COLUMBIA II. Commitments 1953-54 1954-55 Decrease Increase Murder Manslaughter Crimes— Against the person.. Against property._ Against public morals and decency Against public order and peace Other offences not enumerated below _ Insanity Number of prisoners sentenced Number of days' stay of prisoners Average number of prisoners per month- Average number of prisoners per day Escapes Escapes and recaptured.. Death in gaols 16 25 430 2,031 364 6,439 478 30 9,374 398,807 32,501 1,139 8 17 4 26 25 395 1,940 285 5,295 310 30 7,942 395,023 32,193 1,113 13 12 3 35 91 79 1,144 168 1,432 3,784 308 26 10 III. Sex Oakalla and Young Offenders' Unit Nelson Kamloops Prince George Total Males 5,071 454 363 26 919 113 1,052 199 7,405 792 Totals _ 5,525 389 1,032 1,251 8,197 IV. Educational Status 1 214 j 3,127 2,024 160 i 19 270 98 2 143 682 203 4 116 864 265 6 492 Elementary _. _.. _ 4,943 2,590 College or university 172 5,525 389 1,032 1,251 8,197 V. Nationality (Place of birth.) British- 4,346 424 73 354 9 967 23 12 1,040 16 6,707 Great Britain and Ireland 472 85 Totals _ — 4,843 363 1,002 1,056 7,264 Foreign— United States 148 475 43 16 2 16 3 5 9 21 31 164 190 676 46 21 Totals 682 26 30 195 933 5,525 389 1,032 1,251 8,197 VI. Habits as to Use of In- rOXICANTS 471 2,533 2,521 27 222 140 15 60 957 30 241 980 543 Temperate... Intemperate 3,056 4,598 Totals 5,525 389 1,032 1,251 8,197 REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 VII. Habits as to Use of Drugs VIII. Occupations IX. Racial X. Civil State P 61 Oakalla and Young Offenders' Unit Nelson Kamloops Prince George Total Abstainers _ 1 5,010 388 1,029 515 1 1 3 1,231 20 7,658 539 Totals. _ 5,525 389 1 1.032 1 1.251 8,197 114 329 415 2,547 328 98 1,266 152 175 101 34 30 122 58 28 112 5 175 20 97 303 5 17 410 5 10 34 186 301 30 4 627 42 12 5 333 383 Domestic 728 3,273 Mechanics . 421 147 Loggers and miners 2,315 194 192 HI 5,525 389 1,032 1,251 8,197 White _ 4,871 50 521 66 17 327 59 3 586 3 439 4 861 390 6,645 53 1,409 73 Hindus 17 Totals _ 5,525 389 1,032 1,251 8,197 Single Married — Widowed... Separated- Divorced.... Totals.. 3,450 1,315 108 558 94 5,525 288 85 6 5 5 389 620 220 72 120 867 234 35 83 32 1,032 1,251 5,225 1,854 221 766 131 ;,197 XI. Ages 638 722 819 1,209 1,149 721 267 55 68 62 88 58 46 12 62 106 140 259 209 192 64 97 170 207 286 215 198 78 852 1,066 1,228 1,842 1,631 1,157 421 25 to 30 years _ _ _ Over 60 years Totals — _ 5,525 389 1,032 1,251 8,197 P 62 BRITISH COLUMBIA XII. Creeds Oakalla and Young Offenders' Unit Nelson Kamloops Prince George Total 2,013 1,066 660 133 669 116 411 49 19 9 12 21 145 6 196 154 100 23 31 4 16 4 2 44 1 10 689 95 77 8 68 8 45 10 14 2 16 683 122 97 6 126 10 153 7 12 35 3,539 1,383 Presbyterian — 857 147 894 138 625 70 Other Christian creeds 35 53 12 Buddhist 24 Other . 157 41 None 222 Totals 5,525 389 1,032 1,251 8,197 XIII. Duration of Sentence 2,168 755 556 487 403 174 49 223 21 27 286 19 115 5 2 31 37 45 3 84 9 12 7 3 7 152 60 28 35 8 2 63 13 1 18 5 753 178 33 15 19 7 4 3 9 1 10 961 92 29 48 31 22 1 9 4 17 12 25 4,034 1,085 646 585 2 months and under 3 months 461 203 50 238 21 27 356 28 128 6 2 49 37 45 3 107 27 17 7 3 O.I.C. 7 To R CM.P. - 25 Totals 5,525 389 1,032 1,251 8,197 REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 63 XIV. Previous Convictions Oakalla and Young Offenders' Unit Nelson Kamloops Prince George Total 1,843 759 497 329 230 184 236 1 317 457 2,853 1 117 t. _ 53 33 24 7 11 117 188 93 112 66 75 45 67 49 55 34 46 32 33 2 . 735 3 494 4 _ 349 5 _ _ 299 6 -~ _ 161 6 247 7 8 121 114 95 103 74 65 54 45 53 55 34 56 34 48 32 56 33 173 136 42 99 10 1 1 1 1 1 2 196 9 _ 20 28 24 16 9 12 13 12 10 12 8 19 4 11 3 33 9 9 29 22 17 14 11 7 7 6 5 5 4 2 3 1 2 49 2 145 to __ 153 11 12.... 96 13 _ 14 65 15 _ 74 73 49 16 _ 17 ... 18 20 _ 21 _ 46 69 23 _ 24. 26 38 27 210 194 53 49 60 Over 60 5,525 | 389 | 1,032 | 1,251 | 8,197 ff, f.&7 I ifi fin I e.Q->n 69.11 P 64 BRITISH COLUMBIA XV. Offences for which Prisoners were Committed and Sentenced during the Year Commitments Sentences Male Female Total Male Female Total (a) Crimes against the person— Abduction Abortion _ Assault, common - Assault, felonious 110 147 3 11 9 24 14 11 33 6 4 2 2 1 116 151 5 11 9 26 15 11 33 118 154 5 8 22 10 9 18 11 4 1 1 1 129 158 6 Cutting, wounding, and attempting same.___ 8 Manslaughter- ■ _— 23 11 9 18 Totals _ 362 15 377 344 18 362 (b) Crimes against property— 15 333 113 64 32 209 1 648 145 82 118 66 1 2 1 3 1 16 45 4 1 16 335 114 67 33 225 1 693 145 82 122 67 4 442 116 148 43 455 869 159 108 193 75 1 3 3 32 45 5 1 5 445 Robbery _ _ 116 151 Fraud _ 43 487 914 Theft of auto 159 108 198 Trespass _ 76 Totals .-..; 1,826 74 1,900 2,612 90 2,702 (c) Crimes against public morals and decency— Bigamy 6 15 20 3 2 82 5 1 7 91 6 15 20 3 2 1 89 1 91 5 8 12 27 3 2 79 1 6 4 54 8 12 27 3 Inmates and frequenters of houses of ill 2 1 83 1 54 6 Habitual criminal _ 134 99 233 138 59 197 (d) Crimes against public order and peace— 2,236 164 4 396 22 90 5 5 5 1 13 470 356 183 200 64 8 141 1 1 131 33 5 2,436 228 4 404 22 231 5 5 6 1 14 601 389 188 2,823 163 522 27 230 1 17 3 29 501 457 224 203 68 9 139 1 1 133 71 6 3,026 Breaches of "Excise Act" Breaches of "Narcotic and Drug Act" 231 531 27 369 1 18 3 Lunatics and persons unsafe to be at large 30 634 528 Cause disturbance _ _ — 230 Totals 3.950 584 4,534 4,997 631 5,628 252 25 277 328 26 354 Grand totals of (a), (6), (c), (d),and(e) _ 6,524 797 7,321 8,419 824 9,243 REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 P 65 XVI. Employment of Prisoners (Per cent of population.) Oakalla and Young Offenders' Unit Nelson Kamloops Prince George Male Female Male Female 20.00 15.00 65.00 - 25.00 1.00 54.00 1 23.695 I 10.884 20.20 0.32 16.29 2.19 92.10 Sick 2.618 1.928 11.669 25.050 4.440 26.322 9.755 1.10 0.70 ; 61.00 35.040 48.599 20.00 5.60 XVII. Number of Officers and Employees on March 3 1st, 1955 Oakalla Nelson Kamloops Prince George Men's Institutions 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 14 9 2 241 17 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 6 1 Deputy Warden, Treatment ... ..... Bursar, Assistant Deputy Wardens . — . Senior Correctional Officers _ ._.. _... — - Senior Guards — Assistant Engineers 13 Guards, temporary . Stenographer—Grade 2 (Female) Dentist Total male employees ... 297 10 9 14 Women's Institutions Matron in Charge 1 48 1 1 1 1 17 1 2 2 1 1 11 Education Officer _ S.C.O. 1 Total female employees ... 73 2 1 13 Total employees . 370 12 10 27 P 66 BRITISH COLUMBIA XVIII. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for Year Ended March 3 1st, 1955 Oakalla (Men) and Young Offenders' Unit Oakalla (Women) Nelson Kamloops Prince George (Men) Prince George (Women) Total Expenditure Salaries Office expense — Travelling expense _ Heat, light, power, water __ _ and Janitors' supplies_ Laundry, Uniforms and clothing _._.. Provisions (keep of prisoners) Medical attention and hospital supplies Medical services Farm operations Sheet-metal plant Library Good Conduct Fund Return transportation (prisoners) Supplies for training __ Office furniture and equipment Incidentals and contingencies Vocational Group work _ _ School Recreation facilities and supplies — — Equipment and machinery Printing and publication... Totals _ - Public Works expenditure— Rc-a'rs and maintenance Other votes _ Gross expenditure... Revenue Salaries Sale of goods, fines, and costs . . Keep of prisoners _. Totals Total cost $963,434.15 11,671,04 11,585.22 91,290.51 16,275.68 17,753.46 91,622.91 282,139.79 15,230.91 14,725.68 54,591.86 63,506.23 20,594.90 7,512.07 3,152.12 2,938.27 2,756.24 7,839.48 13,845.29 153.48 23,979.03 15.35 $116,975.15 890,33 197.51 26.00 1,289.72 2,232.31 3,272.15 1,048.00 2,707.29 2,609.95 1,434.10 420.06 1,670.81 8.78 186.82 278.29 2,343.20 $38,358.07 570.58 797.27 5,455.41 1,056.13 1,799.27 8,378.91 1,417.46 410.70 438.17 112.68 304.18 430.90 $30,829.20 381.06 757.80 1,539.32 714.03 1,418.13 7,589.58 634.17 287.59 770.50 21.26 74.11 603.47 $35,343.05 649.05 1,127.56 1,051.98 17,987.20 801.46 268.00 72.98 380.00 175.45 $46,922.00 298.63 176.65 5,291.21 606.25 725.26 11,127.95 1,782.91 100.00 1,041.00 834.89 376.86 114.26 99.39 $1,231,861.62 14,460.69 14,642.01 103,602.45 19,335.56 20,592.02 99,889.70 328,271.43 22,574.20 17,335.63 54,879.45 63,506.23 100.00 24,519.20 9,299.43 5,199.79 3,439.73 3,611.06 7,839.48 13,845.29 153.48 278.29 27,455.99 15.35 $1,716,613.67 $137,590.47 I $59,529.73 111,590.94 230,356.93 $45,620.22 | $57,856.73 [ $69,497.26 643.57 924.06 5,871.28 112.94 819.85 $2,086,708.08 113,978.42 236,341.15 $2,058,561.54 |$137,590.47 | $59,529.73 $52,135.07 | $58,893.73 | $70,317.11 | $2,437,027.65 $156,083.39 $31,318.5 $2,259.48 743.00 $438.78 4,924.00 $2,134.00 $190,100.45 20,393.00 $156,033.39 | $31,318.80 | $3,002.48 $5,362.78 | $12,592.00 | $2,134.00 | $210,493.45 $1,902,478.15 $106,271.67 | $56,527.25 $46,772.29 $46,301.73 $63,183.11 | $2,226,534.20 I XIX. Average Cost of Each Prisoner and Miscellaneous Dietary cost of each prisoner per diem Keep of prisoners (including salaries and all expenses) per diem $0,767 5.567 $0,767 5.056 $0.57.3 $0.57.60 3.46 $1.65 4.14 $1.07 6.91 Average dietary cost of each prisoner per diem, 90 cents. Average cost of keep of each prisoner including salaries and all expenses per diem (all gaols), $4.86. VICTORIA, B.C. Printed by Don McDiarmid, Printer to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty 1956 160-1155-8178
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Annual Report of the Inspector of Gaols For the Year Ended March 31st, 1955 British Columbia. Legislative Assembly [1956]
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Title | Annual Report of the Inspector of Gaols For the Year Ended March 31st, 1955 |
Alternate Title | REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF GAOLS, 1954-55 |
Creator |
British Columbia. Legislative Assembly |
Publisher | Victoria, BC : Government Printer |
Date Issued | [1956] |
Genre |
Legislative proceedings |
Type |
Text |
FileFormat | application/pdf |
Language | English |
Identifier | J110.L5 S7 1956_V02_10_P1_P66 |
Collection |
Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Source | Original Format: Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Library. Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Date Available | 2017-07-11 |
Provider | Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library |
Rights | Images provided for research and reference use only. For permission to publish, copy or otherwise distribute these images please contact the Legislative Library of British Columbia |
CatalogueRecord | http://resolve.library.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/catsearch?bid=1198198 |
DOI | 10.14288/1.0348908 |
AggregatedSourceRepository | CONTENTdm |
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