Guards at a correctional facility raise an alarm
In Montreal's adult prisons, correctional officers face numerous challenges that impact their mental health. A recent study conducted by Michelle Brend at Laval University revealed that 30 out of 77 correctional officers commented on a broken system where little follow-up is done after traumatic events.
One correctional officer testified that the greatest pressure on their mental health comes from management. They reported instances of intimidation and threats, not only from inmates, but also from colleagues and superiors. Exposure to violence between inmates, suicidal or self-mutilating gestures, and a lack of support after traumatic events also add to the psychological distress of correctional officers.
M. Brend emphasized that witnessing the suffering of another human being is a difficult part of the job for correctional officers. She suggests that Canada has personnel of excellence but lacks a system that functions cohesively. A change in culture is needed to make prisons more sensitive to trauma, according to M. Brend.
The suggested change involves more mental health support, tools for inmates, and accompaniment to help cope with traumas. M. Brend estimates that if the moral distress of correctional officers isn't addressed, it could lead to higher staff turnover or increased sick leave costs.
While the Correctional Service Canada (CSC) publicly commits to safety and acknowledges the mental toll of workplace violence, recent reports do not explicitly detail dedicated solutions or recommendations specifically for psychological distress due to threats and intimidation experienced by Montreal correctional officers. Institutional responses appear to focus on incident review and prevention measures, core value reinforcement, and general staff support amid external stressors.
However, broader research in similar contexts suggests that emerging technological approaches to mental health support, such as virtual reality–based rehabilitation platforms and caregiver support tools, could potentially be adapted for correctional staff.
Despite the challenges, one correctional officer stated that staff is aggressed daily and there's never any change. Another officer reported that peers can make fun of someone who can't handle something. This underscores the need for a philosophical shift rather than just a change in practice.
In conclusion, addressing the psychological distress among correctional officers in Montreal requires a comprehensive approach that includes mental health support, policy changes, and technological solutions. The change needed is more of a philosophical shift rather than just a change in practice.
- In the realm of general news and workplace-wellness, it's crucial to address the mental health issues plaguing correctional officers in Montreal's adult prisons.
- A philosophical shift, rather than just a change in practice, is necessary to combat the persistent problems of intimidation, threats, and mental health issues among correctional officers, as suggested by some officers.
- The future of mental health support for correctional officers in Montreal could potentially involve the integration of innovative technologies like virtual reality–based rehabilitation platforms and caregiver support tools.
