Audit of Operational Controls at
Ports of Entry (Based on the
1996 Tassé Report) – Final Report
2.4 Uniforms, Port Stamps and Badges
2.4.1 Uniforms
Chapter 3 of the Service and Administration Manual, “Immigration Uniform” (SA3), outlines the Department’s policy and guidelines for issuing uniforms to its officers. At the time of the audit, the Department was making a “trial run” in the regions of the new uniform, which was due to come out in the autumn. As a result, existing stocks were very low. In some ports of entry, summer students and a few term immigration officers were not able to wear Department-issued clothing (particularly shirts), due to a lack of stock. In these cases, permission was granted to obtain similar clothing. Even though the clothing was similar, one could tell that it differed from the regular uniform.
In only a few cases did the audit team observe any clothing that might be considered inappropriate.
Management Response and Actions Initiated
On April 1, 2002, CIC implemented the New Immigration Officer Uniform Program. By April 5, 2002, the 700 immigration officers across Canada had each received a newly designed operational uniform. The new uniform consists of dark charcoal cargo pants, dress trousers, long- and short-sleeved silver-grey shirts, dark charcoal sweaters (V‑necks and cardigans), and CIC’s first issue of the dark charcoal three-in-one jacket.
Policies on the new operational and ceremonial uniforms are available on CIC Explore in both official languages, along with updated measurement charts and order forms. With the new issuance of uniforms, we no longer maintain a private warehouse for uniforms. Procedures will soon be in place for both ordering and distribution cycle processes. We are now in the final stages of setting up a data bank for each officer that will identify his or her uniform holdings, size and special needs. The Administration and Security Branch will ensure that our officers receive updated information on the uniforms, as well as any available services, including the distribution of their new uniforms.
- Date Modified:
