The complaint: Liam, who was in custody at VIRCC, contacted our office with concerns about a use-of-force incident. The incident occurred when Liam was removed from his cell by a Cell Entry and Extraction (CEE) team.

What we did: We investigated Liam’s concerns about the use-of-force incident. In doing so, we reviewed all the available evidence, which included handheld video footage of the incident, as well as written and verbal accounts from Liam and the members of the CEE team.

But when we reviewed the video footage, we noted that the incident of force was almost entirely obstructed by other members of the CEE team. It appeared this was a function of limited physical space in the cell leaving the handheld operator without a clear line of sight to Liam.

Since the video was obstructed, the only evidence was Liam’s account versus the CEE team’s account. In such cases, it is difficult to determine what happened and reach a definitive conclusion.

At the time, the Adult Custody Policy required one CEE team member to carry a handheld video camera. We investigated to see whether an obstructed view was a common problem with the CEE teams’ handheld video footage. We reviewed 25 events and found that a blocked line of sight was common, especially in small physical spaces, and particularly when the CEE team first entered a space.

BC Corrections told us that it was piloting the use of helmet-mounted video cameras at the Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC). In the pilot project, CEE team members wore helmet-mounted cameras, providing multiple angles and lines of sight. We reviewed helmet-mounted video footage for incidents at OCC and found that the combination of both helmet-mounted and handheld footage provided clear documentation of the team’s work. The OCC pilot program provided strong evidence supporting the expansion of helmet-mounted video cameras to all centres.

How we helped: We proposed that BC Corrections permanently adopt the pilot program and expand it to all BC Corrections centres. Our proposal was accepted and BC Corrections revised the Adult Custody Policy to require CEE teams to have at least two staff wear helmet-mounted video cameras in addition to carrying handheld cameras when doing their work.

Why it matters: A single complaint like Liam’s can improve policies and procedures for many. When staff in a custody centre use force, it needs to be carefully documented. Liam’s complaint led to important changes that improve accountability.