Quebec tests inmate uniforms to curb contraband

The Quebec government is introducing new measures to help prevent contraband from entering its detention facilities.

That includes a 12-month pilot project that will require inmates at the Roberval Detention Centre, 350 kilometres northeast of Montreal, to wear uniforms. The pilot will begin in September.

Eliminating personal clothing will facilitate the search process, distinguish inmates from staff and visitors, and remove signs of affiliation with criminal organizations which could lead to violence, the Public Security Ministry explained in a news release on Thursday.

Individuals incarcerated at Quebec detention centres currently wear their own clothing.

Isabelle Mailloux, director of the R éseau correctionnel de Montréal, says that's posed a problem in recent years, because inmates have used their clothes to smuggle in illicit items, like drugs.

Most of the time, she says, the drugs are hidden in the seams of clothing, or in shoes. But sometimes, they can be harder to detect.

"Sometimes it's methods involving soaking clothes in illicit substances that incarcerated individuals try to bring in. So the means can be really varied and very creative," she said.

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Mailloux added that the pilot is part of a larger effort to improve security in Quebec's detention facilities, something the government invested $35 million into in 2023.

The uniform will consist of simple, comfortable clothing including cotton-polyester T-shirts, long-sleeved sweatshirts, long sweatpants, sweat shorts, shoes, socks and underwear.

The government said it chose the Roberval facility for its pilot because it has a sewing workshop where inmates will be able to make their pants.

In the news release, Quebec's Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière said the initative promotes " social reintegration through employment."

Nine other provinces and one territory, along with Correctional Service Canada, already require inmates to wear uniforms.