A federal labour board has ruled that Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) should not discipline correctional officer Glen Collison for giving the middle finger to a federal government building. The incident occurred in July 2019 when Collison, who was attending a five-week dog-handling certification course at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) training facility, was asked about his feelings regarding leaving the training program. After responding affirmatively to being asked if he was glad to be leaving, he was questioned about what would happen if he could not go home. In response, Collison turned away from the group and gave the middle finger to the CBSA kennel building, then to another building. His supervisor was informed about the incident, which was escalated to CBSA headquarters and then to CSC. Collison was disciplined with a $285 fine, equivalent to one day's pay, for what his supervisor deemed disrespectful conduct. The labour board adjudicator, Christopher Rootham, determined that while Collison's actions were 'puerile,' they were not worthy of discipline because he directed the gesture toward buildings, not people. Rootham emphasized that buildings do not have opinions, and the gesture did not challenge CSC's authority but rather reflected Collison's dissatisfaction with the training facility. The adjudicator also criticized the investigation for procedural unfairness, noting Collison was not informed of the allegations against him for six weeks prior to being interviewed. Additionally, Rootham found that CSC disciplined Collison to appease CBSA, which he deemed an invalid reason for disciplinary action. The ruling requires CSC to reimburse Collison for the $285 fine, including interest. The case highlights the importance of procedural fairness in workplace investigations and the distinction between actions directed at people versus inanimate objects in disciplinary contexts.

[Namibian] Officers of the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) have over the past years complained about insufficient vehicles and being stashed into overcrowded security vans, but their cries have fallen on deaf ears, their families say.

Namibia: Correctional Service Boss Asks Nation for Forgiveness Over Mariental Accident  allAfrica.com

[Namibian] Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) commissioner general Raphael Hamunyela says he is taking the blame for Saturday's accident at Mariental where 14 officers and two civilians died.

Nghidinua commends Namibian Correctional Service leadership, pledges further support Staff Reporter THE newly appointed Executive Director (ED) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Daniel Nghidinua, recently visited the Nami  instagram.com

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on newly graduated Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) officers to uphold the values of humanity, dignity, and national service. Delivering a message on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the 31st basic training graduation ceremony in Omaruru on Wednesday, Ngurare urged the graduates to treat inmates with respect. “Treat all inmates with humanity and dignity, in accordance with international protocols and standards. Your legal duty is to guide and support inmates in recognising and accepting their past mistakes, thereby aiding their reform and enabling them to become productive and law-abiding citizens,” he said. The event took place at the Lucius Sumbwanyambe Mahoto Correctional Service Training College. Of the 280 recruits admitted into the course, 278 completed their training and are ready for deployment. Ngurare described their academic performance as commendable. “The highest trainee scored an impressive 95%, and the lowest a respectable 50%,” he said. He said the graduation comes at a critical moment for the country. “This graduation takes place at a pivotal moment in our national development journey, as we intensify efforts to combat unemployment and reduce poverty,” he said. The new correctional officers were described as a boost to the NCS and a contribution to wider efforts to strengthen institutions and improve service delivery. Ngurare reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a correctional system based on rehabilitation. He referred to the Offender Risk Management Correctional Strategy, which focuses on reintegration rather than punishment. “This approach represents a progressive shift from punitive incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said. He highlighted skill programs that target the root causes of criminal behaviour, including substance abuse and a lack of education. One such area is agricultural training. Between 2017 and April 2025, over 13,898 inmates participated in these programmes. “By empowering inmates with agricultural skills, the NCS not only reduces the likelihood of reoffending but also contributes significantly to national food security and institutional self-sufficiency,” Ngurare said. He added that the NCS grows wheat, produces maize meal, and maintains pork production facilities, which support both inmates and the Namibian Police. Ngurare also pointed to operational challenges such as shortages in staff, uniforms, security equipment, housing, and transport. He raised concerns about the safety of officers living in informal settlements and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security to prioritise building employee villages, starting in Windhoek. He warned graduates to uphold ethical standards and avoid any involvement in smuggling or helping inmates escape. “Preserve the good name of the Namibian Correctional Service. Be patriotic, courageous, and disciplined at all times,” he said. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he added: “A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones.” The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, traditional leaders, and representatives from correctional services in Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Guest instructors from these countries also contributed to the training.