The Case of Jack McCann

Jack McCann was confined in SCU from July 1970 until August 1972. For long periods during this time his running score indicated that he was 'quiet and co-operative.' The July, August, September, October, November, December, and January reports all used that terminology. However, McCann was not released. In fact, his 'quiet and cooperative' behaviour was not even perceived in a positive way; a January 1971 entry describes him as 'quiet and co-operative but this attitude might belie the mental activity which could take a devious route.'48

It is clear that neither Jack McCann's behaviour nor his attitude in SCU was the determining factor in his release. Rather, his generally perceived 'dangerousness' was seen as inconsistent with release to the population. Indeed, in one of my first interviews with the assistant director of security I was told that McCann would never leave dissociation as long as the assistant director was in charge.

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