Being a correctional officer is a demanding job – and it’s also one that plays an important role in the successful rehabilitation of inmates and in keeping the province safe.

Once construction of the new Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC) is complete in late 2016, more than 240 full-time correctional officer jobs will open up. In preparation, BC Corrections is offering additional readiness sessions and, for the first time, physical abilities testing, which is the first step in the process toward securing one of these jobs.

Readiness sessions:

These free sessions – held in partnership with the Justice Institute of BC, which trains all correctional officers for B.C.’s adult custody centres – include information about corrections and the justice system, the roles and duties of a correctional officer and the unique needs of the offender population, along with information on preparing to apply for jobs.

Penticton:

Sept. 5

Penticton Days Inn

15 Riverside Dr.

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Oliver:

Sept. 6

Oliver South Okanagan Secondary school

6140 Gala St.

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Kelowna:

Sept. 12

Justice Institute of BC

825 Walrod St.

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

View the Okanagan Correctional Centre information session poster: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BcCorrections_Poster.pdf

Those interested in attending are asked to call 604-462-5170 or register by email at recruiter.occ@gov.bc.ca with REGISTER in the subject line. Please include first and second session choices and contact information in the body of the email.

Physical abilities testing:

There is also an opportunity for interested applicants to take the Corrections Officer’s Physical Abilities Test (COPAT), an application requirement. This is a standard test, used across Canada, to determine whether an applicant is ready for the physical demands of the job.

The test circuit involves activities like running stairs, dodging obstacles, pushing and pulling heavy objects and gaining control over a resisting subject by demonstrating endurance and agility.

Those interested in taking the COPAT are asked to call 604-462-5170 or register by email at: recruiter.occ@gov.bc.ca.

Learn more about the COPAT here:  http://employment.gov.bc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/corrections/COPAT.pdf

Quick Facts:

• To date, more than 1,000 people have turned out to learn about the OCC jobs.
• The Okanagan Correctional Centre – a 378-cell, high-security facility – will be located on a 14.5-hectare (36-acre) site in the Osoyoos Indian Band’s Senkulmen Business Park, seven kilometres north of Oliver on Highway 97.
• More than 240 full-time correctional officer jobs will be opening up in the region for both experienced officers and new recruits.

Learn More:

BC Corrections protects communities through the safe control and rehabilitation of adult offenders:  www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/corrections

The Justice Institute of BC is Canada’s leading public safety educator, developing dynamic justice and public safety professionals through applied education, training and research:  www.jibc.ca