The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers is voicing urgent concerns over what they describe as escalating violence within federal facilities.
James Bloomfield, a representative of the union, reported a troubling increase in assaults and mental health issues among officers.
“We’re finding that federal corrections officers are pretty much in crisis right now. Assaults are on the rise. Mental health injuries from assault in our environment are through the roof. We’re at over a 54 per cent rate within five years of being an officer,” Bloomfield said.
Acknowledging the inherent dangers of their profession, the union stresses that the current level of violence has become untenable.
“We also understand that this job comes with its dangers, but my job is not to be assaulted,” Bloomfield said.
The union has been seeking assistance from Correctional Service Canada since September last year but claims that their calls for help have gone unanswered.