Correctional Officer Uniforms: A Gallery
The Correctional Service of Canada Museum in Kingston, Ontario is home to a unique collection of photographs and old uniforms depicting the evolution of officer dress in the long history of Canada's federal correctional system.
The collection has been built from donations by CSC, former officers and their families, and the efforts of the Friends of the Museum who raise funds to purchase corrections artefacts and memorabilia found in surplus stores and at auction across Canada.
Victorian Period (1880-1900)
Prior to 1900, the standard correctional officer uniform was dark blue wool (serge). Uniforms were sewn by inmate tailors at Kingston Penitentiary and supplied to institutions across Canada.
 Warden Samuel Lawrence Bedson, Manitoba Penitentiary, c. 1880
Samuel Bedson, the first warden of Manitoba Penitentiary (Stony Mountain), came from a military background. He participated in the Red River Expedition in 1870 and the North-West Rebellion in 1885. He is credited with designing the first standardized uniform for penitentiary officers, which was approved in 1890. He is pictured here wearing his military uniform. |
 The staff of Kingston Penitentiary posing in their summer uniforms, c. 1890
In the centre of the front row is Warden Dr. Michael Lavell (1886-1896) dressed in civilian clothing. To the left is Chief Keeper Hewton wearing the uniform that was unique to that rank. To the right is Deputy Warden Sullivan in civilian clothes. The photo demonstrates a variety of uniforms worn by the officers of the time. Noticeably missing are cap badges. |
 Kingston Penitentiary staff in winter, c. 1900
This photo of Kingston Penitentiary officers, posing in their winter uniforms outside the North Gate, was used as a postcard. Some officers are wearing service tunics, while others are wearing long greatcoats. |
 An officer of the British Columbia Penitentiary in dress uniform or "Sunday Suit", c. 1880
The long frock coat, in place of a tunic, distinguishes this from the everyday uniform of the day. (Tony Martin collection) |
 Alexander Elsmere, c. 1870s
Kingston Penitentiary Officer Alexander Elsmere is shown posing in his dress uniform. Elsmere joined the staff of Kingston Penitentiary in 1859. At the time of his death in 1889, he was the Quarry Instructor. This portrait photo likely dates back to the 1870s or 1880s. Unlike the British Columbia Penitentiary officer, Elsmere appears to be wearing a soft hat, and the cut of the lapels and number of coat buttons is also different. |
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