Tom, a youth in custody, was unhappy with the treatment he received during a routine search. Having only recently recovered from a broken ankle, Tom believed that a corrections official purposefully kicked at his ankle during a pat frisk knowing it was still sensitive. Tom called us from the centre with his complaint.

We interviewed staff, reviewed medical records and analyzed video footage of the incident. We were satisfied that the pat frisk was conducted in a manner that was in accordance with policy. However, we noted that the centre’s electronic charting system did not alert corrections staff to the nature or location of Tom’s injury.

Given that Tom’s medical files clearly indicated he was still recovering from an ankle injury, and that precautions were required, we asked whether the centre could include medical precautions in their electronic alerts going forward. The centre agreed to make this change, and as a result of our investigation, information will be added to the centre’s charting system to alert staff to specific injuries or sensitivities that residents like Tom might have as a result of a medical condition.