Correctional Officer, Guard, Law Enforcement Officer, Prison Guard
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:
| Starting | $28.95 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $33.96 |
| Top | $35.57 |
Interest in copying to prepare admission, program, release, transfer and other reports
Interest in supervising prisoners during work assignments, meals and recreation periods, and in patrolling assigned areas and reporting any problems to supervisors; may supervise and co-ordinate work of other correctional service officers
Interest in escorting prisoners in transit and during temporary leaves
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Correctional peace officers' duties vary depending on the security classification of the correctional institution and the types of programs offered. In general, correctional officers:
They also may:
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:
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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
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.
In 2015, correctional peace officers employed by the provincial government earned $25 to $37 per hour.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $26.91 | $42.64 | $28.95 | $28.56 |
| Overall | $28.52 | $42.64 | $33.96 | $33.97 |
| Top | $33.97 | $42.64 | $35.57 | $36.05 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Public Administration | $70,423 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $70,423 |
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: justice.alberta.ca
Corrections Canada website: www.csc-scc.gc.ca
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.
Updated Mar 29, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.