New Hires Will Contribute Directly to Community Safety

The Voice of Canada News:

Ontario is hiring 21 new probation and parole officers to help improve our correctional system and strengthen the safety of our communities. Probation and parole officers play an important role in helping to ensure public safety by managing offenders who are serving their sentences in the community.

“Probation and parole officers play a vital role in protecting public safety, and we strive to attract and recruit candidates of the highest calibre,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “These officers do more than enforce compliance and accountability. They help vulnerable offenders navigate and overcome significant barriers and challenges such as mental health and addictions issues. As a result of their dedication to help others, our communities are safer.”

The new probation and parole officers graduating today from Ontario’s Correctional Services Recruitment and Training Centre completed five weeks of extensive training over three semesters that included in-class sessions, e-learning and independent study. Topics covered include assessment and case plans, motivational interviewing, report writing, enforcement and managing specialized cases.

The officers will be assigned across Ontario: three will go to locations in the Northern region, four will go to the Western region, three to the Eastern region and 11 to the Central region. Each is assigned to a facility near their home community to offer a local perspective.