Key Takeaways
- The transfer of convicted triple-murderer Dellen Millard to a medium-security prison has sparked outrage from the victim’s families.
- Experts say the move is routine and based on a risk assessment, not the nature of the original crime.
- Medium-security prisons are still highly secure and have high walls, barbed wire, and correctional officers.
- The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is required by law to manage a sentence using the least restrictive ways necessary, based on a risk assessment.
- The CSC confirms that public safety is their "paramount consideration" when making decisions about inmate transfers.
Introduction to the Controversy
The recent transfer of Dellen Millard, a convicted triple-murderer, from a maximum-security prison to a medium-security facility has sparked outrage from the victim’s families. Millard was convicted of killing his father, Laura Babcock, and Tim Bosma, and his co-conspirator Mark Smich was also convicted in connection with the latter two murders. The families of the victims have expressed their fury and disappointment at the decision, calling it "abhorrent" and "disgusting". However, penal system experts say the move is both routine and part of a legally mandated procedure based on an inmate’s risk assessment, not the nature of their original crime.
Expert Insights
According to Howard Sapers, the former correctional investigator of Canada, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is required by law to manage a sentence using the least restrictive ways necessary, based on a risk assessment, and not necessarily a reflection of what the person is convicted of. Sapers explains that medium-security institutions remain highly secure, with high walls, barbed wire, and correctional officers, and that the move is not a "get out of jail free" card. Anthony Doob, a well-known criminologist and former professor at the University of Toronto, agrees that security reclassification is routine and that offenders convicted of murder start in maximum security but are legally re-evaluated. Doob stresses that the correctional system is designed to punish offenders, not to provide further punishment.
Family Reaction
The family of Tim Bosma has issued a scathing statement, calling the transfer a grievous offence to common sense. They have expressed their disgust and disappointment at the decision, calling Millard a "psychopath monster" and accusing the CSC of disregarding their input. The family has questioned the system, stating that if a three-time convicted, first-degree murderer is rewarded for "good behaviour" and moved to a lower security prison, who then is filling the maximum-security prisons? They have also expressed concerns that the decision may be a sign of a larger problem with the correctional system, where white-collar criminals are being prioritized over violent offenders.
CSC Response
A spokesperson for the CSC has confirmed that public safety remains their "paramount consideration" when making decisions about inmate transfers. The agency has stated that they are legally required to reassess security classifications every two years, using evidence-based assessment tools, professional judgment, and psychological evaluations. The CSC has also confirmed that Dellen Millard and Mark Smich will be eligible to apply for day parole in 2036 and full parole in 2039, but noted that this is by no means a guarantee of release. The agency has emphasized that the decision to transfer Millard to a medium-security prison was made after a thorough assessment of his risk level and the availability of programs and services to support his rehabilitation.
Conclusion
The transfer of Dellen Millard to a medium-security prison has sparked a heated debate about the correctional system and the treatment of violent offenders. While the victim’s families have expressed their outrage and disappointment, experts have emphasized that the move is routine and based on a risk assessment. The CSC has confirmed that public safety is their top priority and that the decision was made after a thorough assessment of Millard’s risk level. As the debate continues, it is clear that the correctional system faces a difficult balancing act between punishing offenders and providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Ultimately, the goal of the correctional system is to protect public safety while also providing a fair and just system for all individuals involved.