Paid training

Your first day of work begins in the classroom with other new officers. A training officer delivers full-time, hands-on training over your first six weeks of employment. To attain your correctional officer rank your intensive basic training is followed by additional course work to be completed while you work as an active officer over the first 18 months of employment.

Exceptional Justice Institute of BC training

The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) recruit training is dynamic and informative, providing new officers with the skills they need to manage offenders in correctional centres. This basic training mostly takes place at the centre where you're hired. Your training is registered through the JIBC and you may receive formal post-secondary credit.

Continuous learning and support through our mentoring program

There's a lot to learn in your first year of employment and some skills need time to develop and practice. To support your continuous development, you will be paired with a mentor who will answer questions and give advice and encouragement. Your mentor will be critical in assisting you with your transition into the correctional environment while increasing your confidence.

Training Model

Week 1: Overview of the Government of BC and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General; peace officer status and responsibility; introduction to criminal justice system.

Week 2: Foundations for effective communication with offenders; conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.

Week 3: Force options to ensure staff manage offenders safely and minimize risk to all.

Week 4: Orientation to the correctional centre; policy, procedures and daily routines; how to manage inmates in a living unit.

Week 5 and 6: Practical application of training and orientation to your appointed post, supervised by an experienced correctional officer.

Basic training graduation to 6 months: Continue to develop correctional officer competencies. At the completion of the 6 months, officers return to the classroom for additional training.

Six to 18 months: Officers become proficient, developing competencies and gaining a solid foundation for success. At the end of the program, officers complete advanced training and receive full correctional officer status.