Correctional peace officers are responsible for the safe care, custody and control of people who have been charged and remanded to custody, are awaiting trial in a court of law and offenders who have been sentenced either to provincial correctional facilities or federal penitentiaries.

Correctional peace officers' duties vary depending on the security classification of the correctional institution and the types of programs offered. In general, correctional officers:

• ensure security at all times in the institution
• act as positive role models for offenders
• observe inmate behaviour and work toward establishing positive relationships to prevent disturbances and escapes
• exercise effective disciplinary controls through the enforcement of centre rules 
• prepare discipline reports and case reports on inmates in their units, and maintain accurate, comprehensive records 
• conduct security searches that may include searching inmates and inspecting cells, vehicles and buildings.

They also may:

• drive passenger vehicles and trucks involved in transporting inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals and work sites
• assist in managing individual cases or writing reports for the National Parole Board.

Some correctional officers work with young offenders in young offender institutions and some work at minimum security work camps.

Correctional peace officers work both indoors and outdoors and are on their feet most of the time. Shift work is required. The work can be stressful and hazardous because correctional officers always must be on the alert for breaches of institutional rules, drugs and other prohibited items and potential outbreaks of violence.

Correctional peace officers need the following characteristics:

• responsible and mature
• in good physical condition and able to restrain offenders when required
• good oral communication skills for co-ordinating group activities
• good written communication skills for report writing
• the leadership and interpersonal skills required to establish and maintain positive relationships with inmates, staff and the public
• the ability to make quick and sound decisions in response to security or discipline problems
• the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, dealing with people and supervising others.

Candidates for correctional peace officer positions in the federal or provincial government must have a valid driver's licence and pass a medical exam, the Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT) and security clearance requirements including fingerprinting.

Those employed with the federal government must have at least Grade 12 education, and CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), first aid certification. Post secondary education in correctional services, criminal justice, police studies, sociology, psychology or criminology is preferred. Volunteer work experience with people in crisis is a definite asset. Applicants abilities, skills, and personal suitability is assessed during an interview and those qualifying are invited to attend Correctional Services Canada Correctional Training Program (CTP).

Correctional peace officers with the provincial government should have at least a high school diploma plus two years of work experience. Their work experience should be relevant with a particular emphasis on dealing with people. Applicants who have less education may be considered if they have two years of previous corrections experience, knowledge of Aboriginal languages and culture, or equivalent experience and knowledge.

In Alberta, the following post-secondary education institutions offer programs directly related to correctional services. For listings of other related programs, see the Police Officer, Psychologist, Sociologist and Social Worker occupational profiles.

• Bow Valley College in Calgary offers a two year Justice Studies diploma program specializing in Correctional Studies. The entrance requirement is a high school diploma with English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent. Applicants are required to undergo testing, complete a questionnaire and submit a current Police Information Check (CPIC).
• Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton offers a two year Correctional Services diploma program through full-time or part-time study and distance education. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the end of the intake term and have a high school diploma with at least 65 per cent in ELA 30-1 or at least 75 per cent in ELA 30-2 or equivalent. The College expects all applicants to meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. An autobiography and clear security clearance also are required.
• Hope College in Drumheller offers a two year Justice - Corrections diploma program. Entrance requirements include a high school diploma with at least a 60 per cent average in a Grade 12 English, Math, Social Studies and Science or equivalent.   
• Lethbridge College offers a two year Correctional Studies diploma program and a Bachelor of Applied Arts - Justice Studies program. The entrance requirement for the diploma program is a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are required to complete a criminal record check prior to the practicum placement. Graduates from the diploma program are accepted directly into the bachelor's program.  Students with related credentials and prior related work experience will be considered. Lethbridge College also offers a Credential of Academic Achievement for Aboriginal Learners program. All courses also are available through distance learning.

Continuing education programs may be offered on an as needed basis.

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

In Alberta, federal correctional officers are employed in penitentiaries in Bowden, Drumheller, Grande Cache and Edmonton. Provincial correctional officers are employed in institutions in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat and Peace River.

Advancement to supervisory positions depends on experience and training.

According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Correctional Service Officers occupational group earned on average from $25.98 to $32.46 an hour. The mean wage for this group was $31.00 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Annual salaries in 2009 for correctional peace officers employed by the provincial government range from $45,132 to $67,224 a year.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: www.solgps.alberta.ca

Corrections Canada website: www.csc-scc.gc.ca