The Behind the Badge series is back, sharing the stories and voices of frontline staff across the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). In this episode, we take you inside the world of CSC’s Emergency Response Teams (ERTs)—specialized units trained to respond to critical incidents within federal correctional institutions.

You’ll hear from Patrick, an ERT member, who talks about the rigorous training, specialized equipment, and high-stakes situations they face. Whether responding to disturbances, conducting searches, or supporting institutional operations, ERTs are a cornerstone of CSC’s safety strategy.

Every federal prison in Canada has an inmate committee. But what do they actually do, and why does it matter?

These elected groups of inmates represent the incarcerated population and play a very important role in maintaining an open line of communication between staff and inmates and bringing forward concerns about daily life, like food, programs, and living conditions.

In this episode, we will learn more about inmate committees through conversations with Denise, an Assistant Warden at Nova Institution for Women, and an incarcerated women and inmate committee Chair.

Ever wondered what life is really like inside a federal women’s prison in Canada?

Correctional services for women have been shaped by decades of evolution, beginning with the landmark Creating Choices report in 1990. In fact, the five principles that emerged from this report still guide our interventions with incarcerated women today.

In this episode, we will learn more about the world of correctional services for women through conversations with Denise, an Assistant Warden at Nova Institution for Women, and Vanessa, an incarcerated woman.

In this episode, we explore how education transforms lives within Canada's federal correctional institutions. We’ll hear a teacher talk about his work, and we'll also hear from one of his students who reflects on the positive impacts education had on his life.

Discover how education helps with rehabilitation, but also contributes to safer communities and reduced recidivism.

The Behind the Badge series is back, sharing the stories and voices of frontline staff across the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). In this episode, we hear from Ashley, a Primary Worker at Nova Institution for Women in Truro, NS. Primary Workers like Ashley are essential to women’s corrections, they manage security, support rehabilitation and play a key role in case management.

Tune in as Ashley shares what it’s like working inside a women’s prison, and the importance of dynamic and static security, in her own words.

Since 1964, Canada’s Penitentiary Museum has been preserving the rich and complex history of corrections in our country. Located just across the street from the former Kingston Penitentiary, Canada’s first federal institution, the museum houses artifacts and exhibits that help bring this history to life.

In this episode, Museum Historian Dave guides us through the evolution of federal corrections in Canada; from its beginnings before Confederation to the present day. Along the way, we explore key milestones, shifting philosophies in corrections, and the stories behind the events that have shaped our correctional history.

Indigenous peoples are overrepresented in Canada’s federal correctional system, and many incarcerated individuals have had limited or no prior connection to their Indigenous culture, history, or identity. In part two of our exploration of cultural reconnection in Indigenous corrections, we look at how cultural identity and community support are key to the safe and successful reintegration of Indigenous offenders.

In this episode, we hear from Elder Josephine Buffalo, who shares her perspective on the importance of preserving Indigenous culture and the unique role Elders play in supporting incarcerated individuals. We also hear from Julia, Operations Manager at Buffalo Sage Wellness House, who explains how Section 81 healing lodges provide culturally grounded support through supervised housing, traditional teachings, and reintegration programs for Indigenous offenders.

In this episode, we meet CSC’s hard-working health professionals who take us behind the scenes to give us a glimpse into what it’s like to provide health services to inmates in federal prisons across the country.

CSC is mandated by law to provide essential health care to inmates, which we know in turn contributes to safer prisons for our staff and safer communities for the public. Go behind the scenes with our health professionals who are working hard to make a difference and keep everyone safe every day.