Quebec’s justice ministry announced on Thursday that a twelve‑month pilot program will require inmates at the Roberval Detention Centre to wear standardized uniforms. The measure is intended to make it more difficult for contraband to be smuggled into the facility.
The pilot, which began on August 13, 2026, applies only to the detention centre in Roberval, a town in the province’s Saguenay‑Lac‑St‑Jean region. All individuals housed at the centre will be issued the new clothing, replacing the previous system that allowed prisoners to wear personal attire.
Officials say the uniform policy is part of a broader provincial strategy to limit the flow of illegal items, such as drugs, weapons and other prohibited objects, into correctional institutions. By standardizing what inmates wear, authorities hope to reduce the opportunities for hidden items to be concealed in clothing.
The government has not released details about how the uniforms differ from existing garments, nor has it specified any additional security procedures that will accompany the clothing change. The pilot will be monitored over the twelve‑month period to assess its impact on contraband detection and overall safety within the facility.
If the trial proves effective, the province may consider expanding the uniform requirement to other detention centres across Quebec. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by provincial officials to address the challenges posed by illicit goods in the correctional system.
The Roberval Detention Centre, which houses both pre‑trial detainees and sentenced inmates, will continue regular operations while the new uniform protocol is tested. Prison staff and inmates are expected to adapt to the change as the pilot proceeds.
The results of the trial will be evaluated at its conclusion, with findings potentially informing future policy decisions regarding prison security and contraband control throughout the province.