Correctional Officer, Guard, Law Enforcement Officer, Prison Guard
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
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.
Correctional peace officers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4422: Correctional service officers.
According to the 2015 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Correctional service officers occupational group earned on average from $27.57 to $34.52 an hour. The overall average wage was $32.93 an hour. For more information, see the Correctional service officers wage profile.
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, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works 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.