A view inside the detention barracks
NCdt Peter Drysdale
Contributor
March 31, 2008
Behind the cold steel bars of the detention barracks are the simplest of accomodations.
Cold steel bars, bright lights, spotless floors, bright orange coveralls, red lines and boxes on the floor are only some of the sights you can expect to see when the door slams shut on the outside world and the corrective measures of the Canadian Forces take over your life.
Nestled in the Oland Building, commonly referred to as the “MP Shack”, are five, barred cells that comprise the CFB Esquimalt Detention Barracks. These are home, from 24 hours up to 21 days on average, for those in custody awaiting summary trial decision. Or, up to 14 days for those in detention after findings have warranted a decision of confinement.
The primary wardens in charge are not Military Police, but rather a naval combat information operator, a naval weapons technician and a hull technician. Under the leadership of PO2 Keith Smith, “guests” of the detention cells can look forward to a very busy and eye-opening stay.
Although the goal of military cells is rehabilitation not punishment, the day starts with a 0600h reveille, and is packed with cleaning and drill. It’s a reminder of the structure and discipline required both as a member of the military and in society as a whole. A watchful eye is kept on those in detention at all times.
“Our control room is the second most modern in the Forces, next to the CF Detention Barracks in Edmonton,” says PO2 Smith.
Immediately upon admittance, a detainee exchanges their uniform for a pair of orange coveralls. From this point, rank is irrelevant and “Sir” or “Staff” is the only acceptable way of addressing those in charge.
The only reading materials are a Bible, or religious material of one’s faith, and the Military Police Standing Orders for Detainees, which, in addition to the kit layout for inspections, must be memorized within the first two days of a stay.
All drill is conducted at 140 paces per minute, not the standard 120 paces per minute quick time; so exercise is not an issue, though a limited area is cordoned off outside for just this purpose.
The only item detainees are allowed to carry in the pocket of their coveralls is one tube of lip balm; anything else is considered contraband. Searches are conducted constantly, especially after meals and hospital visits. An ablution kit is kept in a locker, but safety razors must be asked for prior to morning showers. Barrack boxes contain only the bare minimum: Bible, Standing Orders for Detainees, bucket and scrub brush, brass cleaner, Kiwi cloth and boot polish.
As with civilian cellblocks, weekends can be the busiest periods, with alcohol-related incidents being the most common. On average, one or two military personnel per weekend may be turned over to the Military Police by local law enforcement. After a stay in the detention barracks, they are usually released to the custody of their Commanding Officer and Coxswain; not a pleasant situation for anyone. The most common occurrences for longer stays are drug-related offences.
“Staff can be called in at any time day or night,” says warden MS Kevin Campbell. “And we are on the floor within 30 minutes of the call. But when there is someone in cells, a member of the staff is on site 24/7.”
Such a schedule can lead to harsh demands on the staff. To help alleviate this, selected members of Fleet School Esquimalt have been sent to the Canadian Forces Detention Barracks in Edmonton for their Barracks Warden qualification to be able to back fill positions should the need arise.
Unfortunately, the demand for detention facilities is not diminishing. With discipline being the backbone of the military, breaches have always needed a place for correction.
Yet with a little effort, it can become more about reintegration into military life and relearning those values and ethics that are the foundation of today’s military and the society that we represent.
