Major boost in community safety as hundreds of new corrections officers join the frontline
- 137 new Custodial Correctional Officers graduated in Brisbane today to deliver safer communities where we live.
- They join more than 60 new graduate correctional officers this month in Maryborough, Rockhampton, Mareeba and Townsville.
- Three experienced officers recognised in Brisbane for exemplary service and commitment to making Queensland safer.
Queensland Corrective Services commitment to restoring community safety was bolstered today, with 137 new Custodial Correctional Officers (CCOs) joining the frontline of public safety in South East Queensland.
The officers will play an essential role in restoring community safety where you live.
Having now completed the Custodial Officer Entry Program, the new recruits will strengthen officer numbers at correctional centres across South East Queensland and play their role to make communities safer.
The new officers will be posted to Arthur Gorrie, Brisbane, Brisbane Women's, Borallon, Southern Queensland, Wolston and Woodford correctional centres and the Escort and Security Branch in coming days.
More than 50 of the new officers will be deployed to Queensland's newest men's high security centre in the Lockyer Valley where they will become part of its 800-strong workforce when it opens later this year.
The 10-week paid Custodial Officer Entry Program has equipped each officer with fundamental skills in conflict management, tactical skills and QCS policies and legislation.
As part of their dynamic, varied and rewarding new careers, the CCOs will work to stop the cycle of reoffending through the safe and secure management of prisoners and correctional facilities with a range of roles available to grow their careers.
During the ceremony, three experienced officers were also presented with Long Service and Good Conduct medals for their exemplary service and commitment to making communities safer.
Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber MP congratulated all of the graduating officers on their commitment to making Queensland safer.
"Today's graduates are taking on a significant responsibility and will soon be on the frontline, working to ensure the security of our prisons and safety in our communities," Minister Gerber said.
"I commend them for the hard work and dedication demonstrated during their 10-week training program and wish them the very best as they step into their new roles.
"You play an integral role in keeping Queenslanders safe, and I thank you for the commitment you have shown to improving community safety.
"I also congratulate the officers recognised today with Long Service and Good Conduct medals for the dedication they have shown to Queensland Corrective Services." Minister Gerber said.
More than 60 new correctional officers also completed their training in the past week and will begin their new roles in Maryborough, Rockhampton, Mareeba and Townsville.
QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM welcomed the graduating officers to Corrective Services.
"We are seeing record numbers of new officers joining QCS to help restore community safety through prisoner and offender reform," Commissioner Stewart said.
"Our officers work hard every single day to address offending behaviour through every interaction to rehabilitate prisoners to avoid reoffending.
"I am very proud to welcome each and every one of our new officers who bring a variety of background skills and experience to the frontline of community safety and make our workforce unique and effective.
"Congratulations also to officers who received Long Service and Good Conduct Medals today. Your extensive experience will undoubtedly be instrumental in guiding your new colleagues as they embark on their new career."
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Cr Tanya Milligan congratulated the latest cohort of Custodial Officers on their achievements.
"It takes a remarkable individual to step into the realm of public safety, and I commend all the graduates for their outstanding decision to embrace this vital role and for completing their extensive training," Mayor Milligan said.
"These officers will not only ensure community safety, but they will also play a significant role in the rehabilitation and reform of prisoners - a truly rewarding endeavour that offers enduring benefits for our society as a whole."
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.
