The Quebec government announced a 12‑month pilot program at the Roberval Detention Centre that will require all inmates to wear uniforms. The measure, unveiled on Thursday, August 13, aims to curb the flow of contraband into the facility.
Under the new protocol, detainees at the Roberval centre will be issued standardized clothing for the duration of their stay. Officials say the uniform requirement is intended to make it more difficult for prohibited items to be smuggled in, as staff will have a clear visual reference for what should be present on each inmate.
The pilot, set to run for one year, forms part of a broader effort by the province to test additional security measures across its correctional network. Provincial authorities have expressed concern over the prevalence of smuggled goods in prisons and are exploring strategies to strengthen internal controls.
While details of the implementation schedule have not been released, the program will be monitored at the Roberval Detention Centre, located in the town of Roberval, Quebec. The government indicated that results from the trial will inform decisions on whether similar uniform policies might be adopted elsewhere in the provincial correctional system.
The initiative arrives as Quebec continues to evaluate methods for improving safety and order within its detention facilities. By standardizing inmate attire, officials hope to create a more predictable environment that reduces opportunities for contraband to be introduced, thereby enhancing overall security.
The pilot’s progress will be reviewed periodically throughout its 12‑month span, with the aim of determining its effectiveness in limiting the presence of illegal items among the prison population.