Gretta, Bronson, Jacko And Shakes Join Canine Colleagues As Highly-trained Frontline Corrections Dogs

Gretta, Bronson, Jacko and Shakes join canine colleagues as highly-trained frontline corrections dogs

  • Seven custodial officers graduate into the QCS Dog Squad with their General-Purpose dog partners
  • Highly skilled teams deployed to correctional centres in South East Queensland

The Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Dog Squad welcomed seven new Officers and their canine partners today (Friday 17 October) as they completed their rigorous three-month training and qualified into their specialist frontline roles.

New General-Purpose dogs Gretta, Bronson, Jacko, Shakes, Arko, Rex and Rune and their specialist Dog Squad handlers will be deployed to Arthur Gorrie, Borallon, Brisbane Men's, Wolston and Woodford correctional centres to take on their critical roles keeping our correctional centres and communities safe.

During the rigorous 12-week QCS training program, officers are taught core practical competencies in obedience, agility, bite work and de-escalation, as well as theory and principles of dog training.

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The newest Dog Squad handlers, who were existing custodial officers before joining the squad, were recognised in front of family, friends and colleagues while one additional officer graduated as a Dog Squad Instructor to pass on skills and experience to new officers.

Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber praised the new handlers and their dogs, highlighting the important role they play in enhancing community safety and security.

"I'd like to extend my congratulations to the new Corrective Services handlers and their dogs and thank them for the work they do in keeping Queenslanders safe," Minister Gerber said.

"The Crisafulli Government is committed to restoring safety to Queensland communities and Queensland Corrective Services play a vital role in this.

"These officers and their four-legged-friends will be on the frontline of public safety and I look forward to supporting them in their roles."

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Deputy Commissioner Jon Peach, Custodial Operations, QCS thanked the new officer-canine teams for choosing to work on the frontline of public safety.

"QCS is committed to reducing reoffending, rehabilitating offenders and restoring safety across Queensland and I thank today's graduates for sharing this goal," Deputy Commissioner Peach said.

"The high-quality intensive training the Dog Squad team undertakes has shaped them into remarkable partnerships that strengthen our safety, security and operational effectiveness every day.

"Our officers are our greatest asset and I wish our newest Dog Squad Officers all the best."

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QCS Statewide Dog Squad Manager Dwaune Mendes said the new graduates had demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment throughout their training.

"General-Purpose dogs and their handlers must master a complex range of skills to effectively manage risks and respond safely to challenging situations within correctional centres," Mr Mendes said.

"The training program focuses on developing these capabilities to a high professional standard, ensuring both handlers and their dogs can work effectively together to maintain safety and security across our centres and the broader community. A strong bond between each handler and their dog is at the heart of their success - built on trust, respect, and teamwork.

"We congratulate today's graduates and wish them every success as they continue to strengthen the unique bond that underpins the success of every handler-and-dog team."

Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting with a wide range of career paths and opportunities across both custodial and community corrections www.corrections.qld.gov.au/careers.

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