The officer in the Department of Correctional Services ensures the safe custody of prisoners as commanded by a court of law from the date of imprisonment until such a person is released.
The correctional officer is concerned with:
- the safe custody of the prisoners in his care;
- the training and treatment of prisoners during their imprisonment;
- preparation of the prisoners for their release and integration into the community.
- relevant administrative work.
The officer performs these duties in a prison, an administrative office, a workshop, a prison hospital or on prison farms.
Satisfying Aspects
- helping to rehabilitate prisoners into the community
- performing an important service
Demanding aspects
- working with difficult people
- disappointment when efforts fail
- lack of recognition by the public
Requirements
A correctional services officer should;
- be emotionally mature and stable;
- be responsible and honest;
- be patient and have perseverance;
- give and take orders;
- make appropriate decisions quickly;
- work well under stress;
- have the desire to work with and help others;
- be willing to work anywhere in the Republic.
School Subjects
Grade 10 Certificate.
Preference is given to applicants with a Senior Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
Basic training: is offered at the Department of Correctional Services' two training colleges at Kroonstad and Zonderwater near Cullinan. After successful completion of the course, members are transferred to the various prisons in the country according to departmental needs and personal preference.
Career development: In-service training is offered to members and they are also encouraged to improve their qualifications in accordance with the Department's needs. In order to assist personnel in this regard, interest-free loans and study leave are available. Study bursaries are also awarded annually for part-time and full-time study in the following fields:
Part-time study: BTech and N.Dip. Correctional Services Management - UNISA.
An N.Dip. in Policing is offered at VUT, BTech and MTech at UNISA
Full-time study: BA in Correctional Services Management at UZ. Other useful qualifications at various universities: BPharm, BSc (Computer Science), BA Social Work, and Masters degree in Psychology, Diploma in Nursing, N.Dip. Agriculture and N.Dip. Food Service Management.
Employer
- Different prison commands throughout South Africa.
Contact
Department of Correctional Services
Poynton's Bldg
West Block
cor Church and Shubart Sts
P/Bag X136
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 307-2000
Fax: (012) 328-6149
www.des.gov.za