Traditional organized crime groups, outlaw motorcycle gangs, street gangs… On the outside, we think of them as criminal organizations. But inside Canada’s federal prisons, we refer to them as Security Threat Groups (STGs).

STGs represent a complex and evolving challenge in federal prisons in Canada. But what exactly are these groups and how do they impact life in prison?

In this episode, you’ll hear from Chris, a Senior Project Officer with more than 25 years of front-line experience at CSC, who explains how these groups influence safety, offender behaviour and reintegration efforts. He’ll also break down how these groups are monitored and the strategies CSC uses to maintain a safe and secure environment while supporting rehabilitation.

The Behind the Badge series is back, sharing the stories and voices of frontline staff across the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). In this episode, we take you inside the world of CSC’s Emergency Response Teams (ERTs)—specialized units trained to respond to critical incidents within federal correctional institutions.

You’ll hear from Patrick, an ERT member, who talks about the rigorous training, specialized equipment, and high-stakes situations they face. Whether responding to disturbances, conducting searches, or supporting institutional operations, ERTs are a cornerstone of CSC’s safety strategy.

Every federal prison in Canada has an inmate committee. But what do they actually do, and why does it matter?

These elected groups of inmates represent the incarcerated population and play a very important role in maintaining an open line of communication between staff and inmates and bringing forward concerns about daily life, like food, programs, and living conditions.

In this episode, we will learn more about inmate committees through conversations with Denise, an Assistant Warden at Nova Institution for Women, and an incarcerated women and inmate committee Chair.