The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services falls under the umbrella of the Ministry of National Security and is also an arm of the Judiciary.

Role of The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services

The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services is responsible for maintaining inmates in a controlled, safe, and secure environment whereby contributing to the protection of society. 

This mandate is executed in a humane environment that encourages rehabilitation for inmates successful reintegration into society. 

Every inmate admitted to the Bahamas Department of Corrections is detained on a Warrant of Remand, Sentenced Warrant or Warrant of Extradition issued by the courts. 

Warrants provide The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services with the legal authority to detain an inmate until such time he/she is authorised to be released.

Mission & Vision Statements

Vision Statement

The Bahamas Department Of Correctional Services Sets The Standard For Excellence In Public Safety, Victim Awareness And Community Reparation In A Spirit Of Openness 

Mission Statement

The Bahamas Department Of Correctional Services, In Accordance With Universally Accepted Standards, Contributes To The Protection Of Society By Optimizing Staff Development, While

Maintaining Inmates In A Controlled, Safe Secure and Humane Environment That Encourages Rehabilitation And Successful Reintegration Into Society.

C.O.C.O Philosophy 

Custody

We Will Provide Safe, Secure Custody For All Inmates Placed Under Our Charge And In So Doing, Prevent Unlawful Escapes And Unauthorized Entry As A Matter Of Uppermost Importance.

Order

We Will Create And Maintain An Orderly Environment Characterized By Cleanliness And Discipline, Free From Riots, Strikes Fights,Gangs, Clutter, Debris And Incivility.

Care

We Will Seek In All Endeavours To Uplift The Human Person, Blending The Need For Caring And Compassion While Demonstrating That Justice And Fairness Can Co-Exist.

Opportunity

We Will Aggressively Create Opportunities For The Welfare, Growth And Upward Mobility Of Staff (Male And Female: Uniformed And Non-Uniformed) While Creatively Fostering An Atmosphere Within Which Inmates Can be Prepared For Successful Re-Entry Into The Wider Society.

Core Values

•   Public Safety, Victim Rights And Fair Treatment Of Inmates.
•   A Dedicated Workforce That Is Well Trained And Diversified.
•   Exceptional Customer Service As Our Reasonable Expectation. 
•   Holding Inmates Accountable For Change And Reparation.
•   Excellence Through Responsible And Efficient Use Of Resources.  
•   Teamwork That Focuses On Winning And Not Individual Scoring. 
•   Encouraging Breakthrough Ideas From All Levels.
•   Ethical Behavior At All Levels Of The Organization. 
•   Resisting Corruption In All Forms. 
•   Working Towards Full Embrace Of The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules For   The Treatment Of Offenders.