163 new correctional officers delivering safety where we live
- Record number of officers joining the frontline of community safety
- Special presentations for officers following in family footsteps
- National Medal presented to Senior Training Officer who has helped hundreds of new graduates into their careers
- Careers in corrections offer wide variety of pathways and opportunities
Queensland Corrective Services has welcomed another record-breaking number of officers to the frontline of community safety after 163 new Custodial Correctional Officers graduated in front of family and friends at a ceremony in Brisbane today (2 September).
The new officers will strengthen frontline numbers at correctional centres across South East Queensland and play an essential role in delivering safer communities across the State.
All 163 officers have completed 10-weeks of training, equipping them with fundamental skills in conflict management, tactical skills and QCS policies and legislation.
The new officers, who come from a variety of nationalities and backgrounds, including 12 First Nations officers, will be deployed to Arthur Gorrie, Brisbane and Brisbane Women's, Borallon, Lockyer Valley, Southern Queensland, Wolston and Woodford correctional centres, and the Escort and Security branch.
The support of family was on display at the ceremony where some of the new officers, inspired to start their career in corrections by family members already working for QCS, were specially presented their graduating badges by their father, brother, wife, husband, uncle and aunt.
During the ceremony, one officer who started his career at QCS in 2009 at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, was presented a National Medal for outstanding service, including in his current role as Senior Training Officer, helping hundreds of new graduates into their frontline career. Two other officers also received Long Service and Good Conduct Medals for 10 years of exemplary service.
Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber MP welcomed the record-breaking number of new officers and congratulated them on their commitment to making Queensland safer.
"Today, you're stepping onto the frontline and the Crisafulli Government is proud to support you with the resources and infrastructure needed to perform your roles safely," Minster Gerber said.
"This is why we've allocated $2.387 billion capital investment to rapidly increase capacity across the custodial system.
"Our shared goal is clear; fewer victims of crime, safer communities, and strong, supported officers like each of you achieving real results.
"Thank you for your commitment to strengthen community safety, your dedication doesn't go unnoticed."
In regional Queensland, more than 60 further Custodial Correctional Officers will complete their training over the next week and begin their frontline roles at Maryborough, Rockhampton, Mareeba and Townsville.
Acting QCS Commissioner Ursula Roeder ACM welcomed all the new officers starting their career with Corrective Services.
"Our officers are our greatest asset, and we are strengthening our numbers across the State to deliver reform and rehabilitation that will mean less crime, fewer victims and safer communities," A/g Commissioner Roeder said.
"I am proud to welcome each and every one of our new officers as they start their community safety careers and work to address offending behaviour through every interaction they have.
"I also congratulate our experienced officers who received the National Medal and Long Service Good Conduct medals today. Your extensive experience is instrumental in guiding your new colleagues as they embark on their new career."
Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting for good, public safety focused jobs and careers including trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, counsellors, cultural liaison officers and administration.
Becoming a Custodial Correctional officer is the starting point for an exciting career with Queensland Corrective Services with a wide range of career paths and opportunities.
Custodial Correctional Officers enjoy excellent employment conditions including a competitive salary and superannuation, employment security, salary packaging and health and wellbeing programs.
