The hard work and achievements of the first 22 community corrections graduates for 2019 were recognised today at a ceremony held at the Queensland Corrective Services Academy.
Community Corrections officers act as agents of change and play a vital role in keeping communities safe by preventing re-offending.
Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan said it was wonderful to acknowledge the great work being carried out by dedicated officers throughout Queensland.
"Queensland Corrective Services plays a vital role across the State in managing over 20,000 offenders in the community, including supervising parolees, probationers and offenders subject to community service orders.
"I commend the officers for the essential work they do in keeping our community safe – it is because of them that Queensland is, and continues to be, a safe place," Minister Ryan said.
The course undertaken by the graduates provides them with the fundamental skills required to perform in their role, including interviewing skills, time and personal management skills and most importantly, offender management skills.
Throughout the intensive training, graduates covered topics to expand their skills, including pro-social modelling, cultural awareness, effective decisions making and stakeholder engagement.
The final phase of training is the completion of work-based assessment activities across a six-month period. As a result, graduates will receive a nationally accredited Certificate IV in Correctional Practice.
Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Martin APM said community corrections officers dealt with the most challenging people in society and work to achieve positive public safety outcomes.
"Our community corrections officers are a core component of the correctional system, working tirelessly to reconnect offenders with their community in an attempt to break the cycle of re-offending.
"The graduates have shown tremendous commitment during their training, and I would like to also acknowledge the work of the training team in preparing them for their community corrections careers.
"Congratulations to all our graduates and I wish them all the best for their future with QCS," Commissioner Martin said.
