The Department of Justice Corrections branch has assumed responsibility for Whitehorse provost services from the Yukon RCMP. As of October 1, 2018, Corrections Officers will be providing provost services. This will include transporting persons in custody between the Whitehorse Correctional Centre, the Arrest Processing Unit and the Whitehorse Law Courts, as well as guarding services for court proceedings.
Improvements have been made to ensure that the Whitehorse Courthouse cells meet the standards necessary for the safety of staff and inmates to accommodate the change in the service delivery model.
As part of our ongoing assessment of policing resources, Whitehorse provost services will now be delivered by the Department of Justice. This will create service efficiencies and allow the Yukon RCMP to focus on other policing priorities.
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee
The RCMP requested the transfer of provost services – activities that maintain surety for custodial purposes including prisoner transport, guarding and inspection of detention facilities – to the Government of Yukon to enhance their ability to focus on other policing priorities.
Yukon is one of the last jurisdictions in Canada to use the RCMP as the primary agency responsible for provost services.
Since January 2018 provost services have been provided through the cooperation of the RCMP, Corrections Officers and Yukon Sheriffs.
Corrections Officers are highly trained in the management and escort of prisoners at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre and in the community. Training will be enhanced with orientation in court procedure and specific transport situations involving youth.
As part of the provost program review, the Whitehorse courthouse cells underwent an independent analysis to identify the detention-grade standards required in order to ensure the cells are safe for holding persons in custody for court matters.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Megan Foreman
Communications, Justice
867-667-3232
megan.foreman@gov.yk.ca