Exploring the Remand Problem: Experiences from a Canadian Province

• In Event: Roundtable: Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Policy

Abstract

For some time, there has been concern in Canada over the increasing size of remand populations and the demands this places on correctional services. Many provinces have sought to address remand population increases through initiatives aimed at trying to reduce the number of accused being detained before trial. The drivers for such policy and program initiatives are often related to the correctional costs associated with a larger remand population. These initiatives are typically aimed at reducing the total number of accused entering pretrial detention annually. Despite this goal, often we see initiatives that struggle to effectively reduce correctional costs. The reason for this may be that initiatives with a focus on total numbers may be failing to consider what remand populations ‘look like’. The consequences of this may be targeted bail programs that fail to address the actual problem. This research examines one province’s experience with addressing the issue of remand population increases. Descriptions of the remand population and initiatives to address this remand problem will be discussed.

Authors

• Carolyn Greene, Athabasca University

• Jane B Sprott, Ryerson University