Improving Job Performance in Canadian Federal Prisons: Insights from Correctional Officers to Optimize Correctional Training

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

Abstract

Effective training is essential for correctional officers (COs) to navigate the challenges of their role in Canadian federal prisons. This study evaluates the Correctional Training Program (CTP) offered by Correctional Services Canada (CSC) by centering the experiences of 128 COs who completed the program. Using a mixed-method approach, including semi-structured interviews and statistical analyses, the study examines the perceived adequacy of the CTP in preparing officers for their duties, identifies gaps in training, and explores its impact on job performance, officer safety, and well-being. Findings reveal that nearly half of participants did not find the CTP useful, with many highlighting a lack of realism and relevance to their daily responsibilities. Communication skills and mental health training, crucial for effective correctional work, were notably underemphasized. Officers recommended making the CTP more practical by tailoring content to specific security levels, increasing scenario-based training, and revising the program structure to enhance job preparedness. These insights highlight the need for a more dynamic and realistic training approach that aligns with contemporary correctional practices and policy goals.

Authors

• Marcella Siqueira Cassiano, University of Winnipeg

• Meghan Mitchell, University of North Dakota

• Emily Stefhon, University of North Dakota

• Dale Spencer, Carleton University

• Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University of Newfoundland