Correctional service officers guard prisoners and inmates in correctional institutions and other places of detention. They are responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the welfare of the inmates. Correctional officers are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Correctional service officers observe and supervise inmates, during almost all activities, including work assignments, recreational sports periods and meals. Your job is to observe the conduct and behaviour of inmates to ensure against disturbances or escapes. You also watch prisoners in order to maintain their well-being. If a prisoner is ill or injured, you may be required to administer first aid or call for medical attention.
On a routine day, you may be involved in patrolling an assigned area to maintain security, testing doors, gates and windows, searching inmates and cells, or escorting prisoners.
Despite the routing, you must constantly be prepared for any emergency. Escape attempts, fires, riots, or other disturbances may arise without warning.
There is a certain amount of paperwork that you must do in this job. Writing detailed reports of your activities and those of the inmates is a necessary part of your duties. An officer's report may be needed as an important record of a situation or incident in the facility.
The correctional service officer's job has changed over the past two decades. You not only guard prisoners, but you must also deal with people, using your interpersonal skills.
Your job is very demanding at times. You often work closely with people who may be a danger to themselves and to others. Some inmates are violent and may have alcohol- or drug-related problems. Despite this, you are required to stay calm and in control at all times. Often, you are locked into a space, such as a work or recreational area, with the inmates that you are supervising. You must stay alert for any signs of trouble.
The job may be physically demanding, especially if a fight breaks out. You must be physically fit to handle these situations. Training is provided in self-defense. You are also trained in first aid, C.P.R. and fire prevention. You must also have considerable stamina, since much of your time is spent on your feet, standing or patrolling assigned areas. Despite the hardships and challenges, your work can be very satisfying and rewarding. You work with troubled people and can sometimes have a positive influence on them.
You can work in a large, maximum security institution, or find yourself in a small minimum security facility. Most correctional jurisdictions provide training for correctional service officers. This training may vary with each province.
Generally, you are required to do shift work. Shift routines may vary from province to province. Also, some provinces may have height and weight requirements and require a physical examination.
If you enjoy working in a highly structured environment, with a lot of rules, regulations and routine, you will most likely do well as a correctional service officer.
You must be able to get along well with co-workers and work as part of a team, sometimes in very difficult circumstances.
A successful correctional service officer is level-headed and able to remain calm in emergencies. In cases of verbal and physical abuse directed at you, you must remain calm and be tactful. you often need patience and skill in dealing with difficult people more than you need great physical strength.
Good communication and writing skills are important tools for a correctional service officer, since there is a lot of report writing involved in the job.