How To Become A Correctional Officer

Correctional officers guard and monitor offenders in correctional institutions to ensure safety and appropriate behaviour of all offenders, visitors, and outside professionals visiting the facility. Correctional officers can also be called prison guards or detention attendants.

According to the National Occupational Classification, career opportunities are fair. Other sources, including Manitoba Job Futures, cite new prison construction and job turnover as reasons that correctional officers are needed and the profession is expected to grow.

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

• Monitoring offenders to prevent security risks
• Supervising inmate mobility and searches
• Patrolling assigned prison areas and reporting problems
• Briefing volunteers and outside visitors to penitentiary
• Preparing reports and paperwork regarding inmate behaviour and mobility

What Do I Need To Start With:

Canadian citizenship is a preference for public service careers including correctional officers. Physical agility and a clean background are required, as officers will be working directly with offenders. Working as a part of a team is a key requirement of corrections work.

What Will I Study:

Police foundations is a strong start to any career in corrections.

What Else Do I Need:

Once the initial interview is passed, corrections officers will attend training through their jurisdiction on topics including conflict management, self-defence, and arrest and control techniques. As a designated peace officer, training has similarities to that of a police officer and firefighter. Correctional officers are in the public service, and all training is free of charge, though no income is provided during this period.

Where The Jobs Are:

Provincial and federal youth and adult correctional facilities and detention centers. Opportunities may also be available in correctional offices to which former inmates are paroled.