Views of Sex Offenders: Interpretations from Correctional Officers Working in Canada’s Federal System

• In Event: Behind the Uniform: Institutional Norms and Officer Attitudes Toward Work and Incarcerated Populations

Abstract

For decades, sexual offenders have been socially constructed as some of the most reviled criminals, leading to significant challenges both within correctional institutions and in their reintegration into the community. This analysis examines whether Canadian federal correctional officers hold negative perceptions of sexual offenders housed in their institutions. Using cross-sectional data from a Canadian longitudinal study, we analyze open-ended interview responses from 45 federal correctional officers, each with one year of experience in the correctional system. Grounded in labelling theory and the concept of collective identity, this study highlights how stigma shapes correctional officers’ attitudes toward sexual offenders. The findings reveal that officers often express disgust toward these offenders and their crimes, perceive them as heightened security risks, and deliberately avoid learning or recalling details of their offences. Some officers practice willful blindness, preferring not to know the specifics, while others intentionally forget information they encounter. Understanding these perceptions is critical for the Correctional Service of Canada to ensure that staff uphold ethical organizational practices aligned with its mission, values, and ethical framework. These insights can also inform improved training protocols, fostering a correctional environment that balances security concerns with professional conduct and rehabilitative objectives.

Authors

• Martha Krawczuk, University of Winnipeg

• Marcella Siqueira Cassiano, University of Winnipeg

• Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University of Newfoundland

• Dale Spencer, Carleton University

• Meghan Mitchell, University of North Dakota