Correctional Service Officers
(NOC 4422)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesCorrectional service officers guard offenders and detainees and maintain order in prisons and other places of detention. They escort prisoners in transit and supervise prisoners during work assignments, meals, and recreation. Their role is to observe the behaviour of prisoners and prepare reports, and to prevent disturbances and escapes. They work for federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Correctional service officers who are supervisors are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$30.00
Minimum$32.46
Median$46.32
MaximumAnnual Pay
$33,490
Minimum$73,003
Median$87,781
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$16.30
Minimum$30.00
Median$51.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Correctional service officers guard offenders and detainees and maintain order in prisons and other places of detention. They escort prisoners in transit and supervise prisoners during work assignments, meals, and recreation. Their role is to observe the behaviour of prisoners and prepare reports, and to prevent disturbances and escapes. They work for federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Correctional service officers who are supervisors are included in this group.
Job duties
Correctional service officers:
- Observe conduct and behaviour of offenders and detainees to prevent disturbances and escapes.
- Supervise offenders during work assignments, meals, and recreation periods.
- Patrol assigned area and report any problems to supervisor.
- Observe behaviour of offenders and prepare reports.
- Escort detainees in transit and during temporary leaves.
- Prepare admission, program, release, transfer, and other reports.
- May supervise and coordinate work of other correctional service officers.
Sample job titles
- correctional facility guard
- correctional officer
- correctional service officer
- correctional services unit supervisor
- corrections officer
- detention guard
- head correctional officer
- jailer
- penitentiary guard
- prison guard
Skills
- You should be physically fit and in excellent health, and have a valid driver's licence. Cultural sensitivity, patience, and mental stability are important. You must be resourceful and able to work on your own carrying out instructions given by your employer. It will be necessary to gain a good knowledge of the regulations pertaining to your work. Excellent communication, observation, and problem-solving skills are essential. You should also be able to communicate with and gain the respect of the public.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- College education in correctional services, police studies or criminology may be required.
- Correctional officer recruits must successfully complete the Correctional Service of Canada training course to be employed by federal institutions.
- Correctional officer recruits are usually required to complete a basic training course to be employed by provincial/territorial institutions.
- Physical agility, strength and fitness requirements must be met.
- First aid certification and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training are usually required.
Other considerations
- Candidates are required to pass the appropriate background check. Correctional service supervisors require experience as a correctional service officer.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
$75,121 median annual incomeHalifax
$74,041 median annual incomeCape Breton
$63,829 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$78,467 median annual incomeSouthern
$29,817 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$68,933 median annual incomeBachelor
$78,062 median annual incomeHigh school
$74,074 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
Corrections
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to study the theories and principles, of correctional science and to function as professional corrections officers and other workers in incarceration facilities.
Criminal Justice/Police Science
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students for the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control and public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation and maintenance, report preparation and other routine law enforcement responsibilities.
Institutions providing this program
Criminology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of crime as a sociopathological phenomenon, the behaviour of criminals, and the social institutions evolved to respond to crime. They include courses in the theory of crime, psychological and social bases of criminal behaviour, social value systems and the theory of punishment, criminal law and criminal justice systems, penology, rehabilitation and recidivism, studies of specific types of crime, social attitudes and policy, and applications to specific issues in law enforcement administration and policy.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Sociology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. They include courses in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.