Justice and Public Safety
February 19, 2015

Recruiting Staff for a Stronger and Safer Justice System

Minister Acknowledges Recent Graduates of Sheriff's Officer and Correctional Officer Training Programs

Over the past several weeks, recruitment efforts of the Department of Justice and Public Safety have culminated in graduation ceremonies for new Sheriff's Officers and Correctional Officers. These graduates have been deployed to locations throughout the province and will use their training to make courts and correctional facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador safer for residents, staff and inmates.

"I congratulate the men and women who completed their training and I am confident in their skills and abilities as they carry out their important work on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Working in our courts and correctional facilities can be both challenging and rewarding and our new Sheriff's and Correctional Officers will work in cooperation with all participants of the justice system to make our communities safer."
- The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

In total, 12 individuals completed the Sheriff's Officer training program after being selected from a pool of more than 170 applicants. The new staff, combined with recent security measures such as additional point-of-entry screening equipment, will significantly improve court security measures.

Of the 30 Correctional Officers to complete training, seven graduated from their program in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, representing the first time the course was ever offered in Labrador.

"Our justice system is only as strong as the people who work in the various branches. These new officers are eager to work in their respective fields and their comprehensive training will serve them well as they embark on what are hopefully long and successful careers with the Department of Justice and Public Safety. I am also pleased to see training provided in Labrador. Being able to accommodate local residents will hopefully assist with recruitment and retention."
- Minister Manning

The Department of Justice and Public Safety provides security to 17 court locations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and manages eight provincial correctional facilities.

QUICK FACTS:

• Recently, 11 individuals completed training to become Sheriff's Officers while 30 people completed the Correctional Officer Recruitment and Training program.
• Seven Correctional Officer recruits completed their training program in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; the first time the program has been offered in Labrador.
• The new recruits have been deployed to courts and correctional facilities across Newfoundland and Labrador.

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2015 02 19                              12:40 p.m.