Correctional Peace Officer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Correctional Service Officers (6462) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Correctional Service Officers (G622) 
• 2011 NOC: Correctional service officers (4422) 
• 2016 NOC: Correctional service officers (4422) 

Correctional peace officers provide safety and security for offenders who:

• Have been charged and remanded to custody
• Are awaiting trial
• Have been sentenced to provincial correctional facilities (sentences of 2 years less a day) or federal penitentiaries (sentences of 2 years or more)
• Have been found in violation of release conditions and placed back into custody

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

• Ensure security in minimum-security, medium-security, maximum-security and multi-level institutions
• Act as primary responders to emergencies, such as medical emergencies, fire or escape attempts
• Act as positive role models for offenders
• Observe inmate behaviour through dynamic and static security, such as personal interaction and electronic monitoring
• Foster positive relationships with inmates to assist with intelligence gathering, prevent disturbances and escapes and maintain a safe environment
• Maintain control by enforcing laws, regulations, policies and rules
• Prepare reports such as observational, disciplinary, search and seizure, evidence handling and inmate case reports
• Maintain accurate and complete records
• Conduct formal and informal counts and hourly patrols to ensure the inmates’ well-being
• Conduct security searches of inmates, cells, vehicles, buildings, inmate visitors or staff members 
• Work as part of an inmate case management team, when working as a parole officer, educational instructor or Aboriginal liaison officer

They may also:

• Drive inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals and worksites
• Help manage cases
• Write reports for the national parole board

Correctional peace officers work both indoors and outdoors. They are on their feet most of the time. They work shifts, including night shifts.

The work can be stressful and hazardous. Correctional officers must always be on the alert for drugs, weapons, other banned items, inmates breaking rules, volatile behaviour, and outbreaks of violence. At federal medium- and maximum-security institutions and on escorts, they are required to carry firearms. Applicants must be comfortable knowing they may have to lawfully take a life during their career.

Correctional peace officers need:

• An impartial nature
• Responsibility and maturity
• A positive attitude
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Writing skills
• Leadership abilities
• The ability to remain calm in high-stress situations
• The ability to restrain offenders as required
• An understanding that their role is rehabilitative, not punitive

They should enjoy:

• Having clear rules and guidelines, while being comfortable making on-the-spot decisions
• Working with a team
• Dealing with people
• Supervising others

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

Some correctional peace officers work with young offenders in young offender institutions. Others work with female offenders at specific provincial centres or women’s federal institutions. Still others may work at regional psychiatric centres, minimum-security institutions, Aboriginal healing lodges, or work camps.

Moving up to supervisory or other positions depends on education, experience, personal suitability, and training.

Correctional Service Canada website: www.csc-scc.gc.ca

Government of Alberta website, Justice and Solicitor General: www.alberta.ca/ministry-justice-solicitor-general

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.