Province hires new recruits to join front lines at Hamilton correctional facility

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Published May 7, 2021 at 3:11 pm

The Ontario government is hiring 27 new correctional officers to bolster staff across the Central Regional, including the Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre.

The new hires are part of the province’s commitment to invest more than $500 million over five years to transform correctional services.

A total of 89 recent correctional officer graduates will join the frontlines and help reinforce public safety in communities across the province, including at the Hamilton facility.

They are the second group of recruits to be paid by the province, while undergoing training to help remove barriers to employment.

“To support and strengthen Ontario’s correctional system, we continue to hire more staff to ensure the safety and protection of our communities,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “Providing new recruits with paid training makes it easier for people to consider a career in corrections and become essential partners in Ontario’s justice system.

“I would like to congratulate the latest group of graduates for their hard work, dedication and commitment to public service.”

The new correctional recruits, who will be assigned to 17 institutions across the province, completed eight-weeks of in-person and virtual training. This included job-specific case studies and scenario-based learning with a focus on de-escalation and communications skills.

This approach allows graduates to build critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills, so graduates are better equipped to quickly respond to real life situations.

Ongoing sensitivity training on Indigenous cultural and anti-Black racism and inmate management techniques is also provided.

The 27 new recruits will support the Central Region facilities, which also include the Maplehurst Correctional Complex and Vanier Centre for Women, both in Milton, and the Niagara Detention Centre.

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