Alison, Correctional Officer

Yes, we are called upon to intervene. It can be heavy, it can be negative and some interventions can be more difficult than others. But I would say that, overall, I still have a good relationship with the inmates. I’m professional, I’m fair, I’m generally by the book and I apply the rules.

Hello, my name is Alison and I am a Correctional Officer here at Cowansville Institution. So, as for what I do for work, I am a Correctional Officer in a medium-security federal penitentiary. My work consists of ensuring monitoring and security patrols in the different areas. We patrol the ranges, the cell blocks, the kitchen and the school.

In the health care centre, throughout the institution. Not only do we ensure public safety by doing that, but we also ensure the safety of the inmates and staff inside the institution. We cannot be vulnerable in this kind of work. It is in those situations that inmates can manipulate us. And I say that for women as much as for men.

It’s important to know yourself well, to be able to set boundaries and to apply the rules with confidence and certainty. Of course, you have to stay calm. You have to keep your composure, have good communication, not let yourself get worked up and not get carried away emotionally. Of course, it is a heavy and negative environment, so it is important to have people you can talk to about your work so that, at times, you can release the buildup from the things that happen on the job.

Because often, family members or people around us who do not work inside do not necessarily understand the reality or it could worry them when we talk about our work. So I love my job, I am proud of my work, and I am proud of my profession. Initially, I studied criminology. I wanted to become a PO (Parole Officer), and I did that for a year.

But I really preferred the Correctional Officer role. I felt more useful, as a Correctional Officer, ensuring monitoring, maintaining security and everything else. I believe that if there is one department that is important in helping them with their reintegration, it is the visits department. You know, those who have children, family members, loved ones who are going to see them, their visits, whether in-person visits or video visits.

That contact with their loved ones is what could inspire them, motivate them and push them to become law-abiding citizens so that they do not come back once they are released.