Province renews partnership with Atlantic Police Academy for accelerated correctional services training program
The Province, in partnership with the Atlantic Police Academy (APA), is once again offering Islanders the opportunity to pursue a career in correctional services at a reduced cost.
The five-month accelerated correctional services program will provide 12 students with skills and knowledge in intervention and de-escalation strategies, crisis management, Canadian law, ethics and professionalism, workplace health and safety, as well as topics specific to correctional services.
The program begins February 14, 2022 and will include 15 weeks of course work and seven-weeks on-the-job training at Island correctional centres.
“The Atlantic Police Academy is once again pleased to work with the Province to offer an accelerated corrections program aimed at preparing Islanders to become professional correctional officers,” said Forrest Spencer, executive director of the Atlantic Police Academy. “This continued partnership is a great example of how we can work together to find practical solutions that will provide timely assistance for the correctional facilities of PEI and the clients they serve.”
This year, the APA has reserved two of the 12 positions for BIPOC students, at the request of the Department of Justice and Public Safety. These two students will receive a full subsidy of $8,500, and the other 10 students will receive a 70 per cent subsidy through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement and Workforce Development Agreement.
“The pilot program last year was a great success and I am pleased that we are able to provide this educational opportunity again to anyone wanting to pursue a career in corrections. It is especially important to us to make sure people from racialized, gender diverse and underrepresented populations have this opportunity.”
- Minister of Justice and Public Safety Bloyce Thompson.
Students who successfully complete this program will once again be offered a position at either the Provincial Correctional Centre or Prince County Correctional Centre.
“Having representation among correctional staff can make a real difference in the rehabilitation process of those in custody. This program is a step in the right direction to ensure the facilities better reflect the population it serves,” added Thompson.
Background
The Accelerated Correctional Officer Training Program is a unique to PEI program, offered by the Atlantic Police Academy in Slemon Park. This course does not require students to reside on campus for the duration of the program or during their training.
Interested applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for this program:
- Accelerated Correctional Officer Training Program Application
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status
- Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
- Must be 19 years of age by program start date
- Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) with no findings of guilt.
- Valid Class 5 (cars and light trucks) driver’s license (students holding restricted or graduated licenses must abide by the conditions of the license)
- Completion of an APA Medical Form
- Three letters of reference, not from family members
- Proof of vaccination record, such as the PEI Vax Pass
- Certification in Standard First Aid, CPR Level C and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (must be valid for the duration of the program)
- Résumé, including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates; membership in groups, associations or athletics; awards and distinctions; and any other information about yourself relevant to the program
- Résumé must also include current employment status and the current number of hours of work
Media contact:
Vicki Tse
Department of Justice and Public Safety
vickitse@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)