New correctional officers committed to community safety in Mareeba
- 22 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the public safety frontline in Far North Queensland.
- All 22 have completed the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program including on-the-job training.
- The new officers are now ready to play their role in protecting community safety.
- Retired officer with 20 years of service recognised with retirement medallion and Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
Queensland Corrective Services welcomed 22 new Custodial Correctional Officers to the frontline of public safety in Mareeba after a graduation ceremony on Friday, 5 September.
Having now completed the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program, the new officers will be deployed to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre where they will work toward making Queensland safer through prisoner reform.
They were welcomed to their new roles alongside an experienced Custodial Correctional Officer who was recognised with a retirement medallion and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for his years of dedicated service to public safety.
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.
Continued on-the-job training and professional development opportunities ensure officers can progress their careers and develop skills to keep our communities safe in dynamic situations.
Representing the Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland, Member for Barron River Bree James MP congratulated the graduating officers for the dedication they've shown during their training program and their commitment to community safety.
"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," Ms James 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.
"I would also like to extend my congratulations to the officer who has been honoured with the Long Service and Good Conduct medal and retirement medallion.
"You play an integral role in keeping Queenslanders safe, and I thank you for the commitment you have shown to improving community safety".
QCS Acting Assistant Commissioner Daryll Fleming welcomed the new officers and congratulated them on their graduation.
"We are honoured to welcome our 22 newest Custodial Correctional Officers to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre and thank them for their dedication to making Queensland safer," A/Assistant Commissioner Fleming said.
"Today we also recognise an experienced officer with a Long Service and Good Conduct medal and retirement medallion for their long and professional commitment to QCS.
"Every interaction our officers have is an opportunity to address offending behaviour and to improve the vocational and life skills of prisoners, assisting in their rehabilitation and safe reintegration back into the community."
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.
