The Correctional Service of Canada has hired its first female Muslim prison guard who will wear a hijab specially designed for the dangerous institutional setting, QMI Agency has learned.
CSC confirmed the recruit is now on her second week of a nine-week training program in Ontario and will be placed as a guard in a men¹s federal penitentiary when she’s done.
As a correctional officer, she will be permitted to wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid skin-to-skin contact with male offenders in accordance with her religious and cultural practices, but has been told she may be required to remove them if circumstances require it.
“It has required some research on our part to ensure her religious and cultural needs are accommodated within the parameters of our requirements for safety and security of institution and staff,” said CSC national spokesman Graham Andrews.
After processing the recruit’s application, the CSC formed a working group to work out ways to address both the employer’s and the employee’s needs.
A special hijab head covering is being developed that will come off easily if an inmate grabs her, instead of giving the offender physical control.
Efforts are also underway to obtain equipment such as a breathing apparatus that works with the hijab.
CSC and the employee have also established a mutual understanding about physical contact with men, which is prohibited under the Muslim faith.
h/t Jon
