The Department of Corrections wants to recruit new prison officers as it seeks to address longstanding staff shortages.

Effective today, the department will welcome applications through the Government Careers web portal.

Kim Wilkerson, the Minister of Justice and the Attorney-General, encouraged the public to consider a career in corrections, which she said was “both challenging and rewarding”.

She explained: “It offers an opportunity to serve the community in a direct and meaningful way, while also providing room for personal development, professional growth and long-term career advancement.”

Ms Wilkerson added: “The Department of Corrections is seeking committed Bermudians who want to make a difference, support rehabilitation and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of the wider community.

“Those looking for a profession with purpose are encouraged to apply.”

The Government will host an information session as part of the recruitment drive at the Bermuda College North Hall G301 Theatre on March 25, from 6pm to 8pm.

The session will cover the role and responsibilities of a corrections officer, the training involved and the career pathways available in the Department of Corrections.

Successful applicants would be required to complete a compulsory training course, which would ensure applicants had the knowledge and standards to carry out their duties.

The Department of Corrections plays an important role in promoting public safety, supporting rehabilitation and helping to build safer communities, a spokesman for the Department said.

“A career in corrections offers Bermudians the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the community while developing valuable professional skills in a structured and disciplined environment,” he added.

The recruitment drive comes after the corrections department battled staff shortages for more than ten years.

Timothy Seon, chairman of the Prison Officers Association, said in 2024 that the department was some 100 prison officers short, with about 145 officers working with a staff schedule that called for 244 people.

He said officers were forced to work two or three double shifts a week, all while dealing with faulty infrastructure, irregular rehabilitation programmes and prisoners with mental health challenges who did not get necessary assistance — all of which contributed to officer burnout.

Shortages over the years have resulted in more contraband slipping into prisons and officers being more prone to injuries and assaults from prisoners.

Ms Wilkerson promised earlier this month to set aside $20 million to recruit additional officers and cover their salaries, as well as $638,000 to replace outdated furniture and essential fixtures.

She admitted there were challenges in retaining applicants during the recruitment process, explaining that the previous recruitment drive started off with 37 trainees, only to end with six in the graduating class.

Ms Wilkerson said they had hired a consultant to look into where candidates fell off at different stages and how recruitment could be strengthened.

The prison had also been assessed last October by a panel of experts from Britain and other British Overseas Territories who looked at how well Westgate upheld prisoners’ rights.

Applications to join the Department of Corrections will close on April 17.