Employment Systems in Corrections Reviewed

Future correctional officers, probation officers and the offenders they monitor will benefit from an employment review now underway in the Department of Justice.

The review will study whether the correctional services division, which employs 600 staff, is doing all it can to promote equity in the workplace.

"Correctional services is a large, dynamic organization," said Fred Honsberger, executive director. "Our staff play an integral role in the justice system. This review gives us an opportunity to promote our strengths and identify any areas where we could be doing better as an employer."

Mr. Honsberger said managers and staff throughout the division will take part in the review, which will include administration, community programs, adult correctional facilities and youth centres. "In the end," he said, "offenders should see their own races and cultures reflected in the makeup of our front-line and supervisory staff."

The employment review will examine formal and informal policies and practices that govern recruitment, hiring, selection, retention, career development, promotion, discipline and termination procedures. It will also provide advice about including diversity as an important element in performance management.

It's expected that a final report will be completed by March 31, 2004.

Correctional Services' mission is to contribute to a just, peaceful and safe society by:

• providing services to help the courts with remanding and sentencing;
• administering custody and community-based orders of the courts;
• providing safe custody, direction and control for accused persons and convicted offenders;
• encouraging offenders to take part in programs for successful reintegration into the community.