Prison Officer (Correctional Official)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Correctional Official. A Correctional Official provides the best correctional services and contributes to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration of inmates and the rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders. A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct custodial duties in a humane and safe environment. • Facilitate social reintegration of offenders into the community. • Rehabilitate offenders in line with the Offender Rehabilitation Path.

Since the demilitarisation of the corrections industry in 1996, greater emphasis was placed on rehabilitation and humane treatment of offenders. Furthermore, the corrections industry is characterised by the implementation of unit management principles in correctional facilities. The introduction and growth in community corrections necessitate skills development of correctional officials in this specialised area of the corrections industry. Other areas of specialisation in the corrections industry include youth and female offenders. The government of South Africa has repeatedly emphasised the importance and need to promote good governance and professionalism within state departments. It is with this focus in mind that the design of this qualification includes elements of professionalism, human rights, rehabilitation, community corrections, youth and female corrections, and correctional law. This qualification reflects workplace needs of the corrections industry for correctional officials up to first-line supervisors. The majority of the candidates to aspire to this qualification are likely to be those already working in the corrections sector. The qualification will therefore give them the opportunity to develop skills and to acquire the knowledge that is essential for successful execution of correctional duties up to the level of first-line supervisors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: The minimum entrance requirements are: • NQF Level 4 with Mathematical Literacy.

• Maintain a safe, secure and humane environment for offenders.
• Perform external custodial duties.
• Facilitate the implementation of the Offender Rehabilitation Path.
• Facilitate the implementation of social reintegration processes.