Thousands rush prison jobs
Published:Wednesday | December 1, 2010 | 12:00 AM
With only 302 job openings available, some 2,000 men and women turned out yesterday morning in response to the Department of Correctional Services' advertisement for correctional officers.
From as early as 5 a.m., scores of persons were already lining up along Waterloo Road, St Andrew, for the 8 a.m. start of the recruitment drive at the Girl Guides Association headquarters.
Young and old, men and women, educated and uneducated, overqualified and underqualified, unhealthy and healthy, responded to an advertisement, published in the print media on Sunday.
Entry-level correctional officers earn a basic monthly salary of $53,819 per month.
"A good pay that, yuh nuh," one woman said.
Another said to her daughter, "This money can really help we. Just listen carefully to what them saying and do everything them say."
Despite the overwhelming number of applicants, many were overheard hoping they would make the cut. They stood there in the hot morning sun, many on the outside of the centre as there was hardly any room left inside.
When Director of Security Clifton Rogers began to outline the strict requirements in getting the job, several faces were saddened. Some applicants did not meet the basic requirements to be considered, which included passes in a minimum of three CSEC/O'Level subjects, good physical condition and a clean criminal record.
Still, a lot more were left behind, whose faces got a little brighter as their chances improved.
"This job has no days off, no special days, no holidays, no birthdays, it's a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week job. The inmates don't go home or get days off, so the staff doesn't have that luxury," said Rogers.
"No excuses will be accepted in doing the job, so anyone with personal issues that would affect them doing the job step forward now. You will have to get 100 per cent on the academic test, then you will be put through some physical stress and you have to do a medical. Make sure you're in good physical health because we do not want anyone to collapse. Make sure you are not taking any drugs 'cause you will be tested for that too, as well as a blood test for any illnesses," he said.
Deputy commissioner of corrections in charge of custodial service, Gile Campbell, said he was not surprised at the turnout. He said the department would be taking the best of the best.
"We will start the selection process from applicants who have passed the academic, medical and physical exams, and then continue to narrow down the process until we get the best 302 from the lot."