Yellowknife (Mar 21/03) - When sentencing people for crimes, judges usually give double credit for time spent behind bars awaiting trial.

Territorial court Judge Michel Bourassa questioned this unofficial policy in court recently, wondering whether remand time is really harder time.

"Everything I've ascertained is contrary to the concept of harder time," he said.

So what exactly is the difference?

Depending on the circumstances, there can be little difference, said Doug Friesen, director of corrections with the Department of Justice. Not everyone does their pre-trial time in the Yellowknife Correctional Centre's remand unit, said Friesen. Some are transferred to general population because the remand unit accommodates just 16 inmates.

Like the majority of space at YCC, the remand unit is a dormitory setting.

Inmates eat, sleep and shower there. Unless moved to general population, inmates in this unit are locked in this dormitory all day and night --except for one hour of exercise.

On the other hand, those serving out sentences are only locked in dormitories at night and may use the gymnasium or exercise room at any time during the evenings.

The security level of those awaiting trial is considered higher, added Friesen.

They are not allowed outside unless accompanied by a correctional officer. If allowed in town for appointments, they are accompanied by two correctional officers.

Attending treatment programs is not an option for those in the remand unit.

Those serving pre-trial time in general population may attend treatment programs only if space is available and if the program finishes before their trial.

What do prisoners think of remand time?

"I can't really say for sure," said Friesen. Every inmate is different."