Pre-trial custody

If you have been charged with committing a crime and ordered to remain in until trial, you will be held in a provincial correctional centre. These centres are operated by BC Corrections in the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Provincial correctional centres house people who are:

• Awaiting trial
• Serving a sentence of less than two years

If you are sentenced to two years or more in jail, you will be transferred to a federal correctional centre.

Corrections officers operating correctional centres provide safe and secure custody and programs to help reduce criminal behaviour and promote public safety.

What to expect in pre-trial custody

If you are being held in custody while you wait for your trial or sentencing, you are in remand. Remanded people are considered innocent until proven guilty.

If you are remanded, you will remain in custody until one of the following occurs:

• The charges are dismissed
• You are granted bail
• You are found not guilty
• You are sentenced and begin serving your sentence

While you are not required to work or participate in correctional centre programs while in remand, you may participate if space is available. Sentenced offenders are given priority.