Queensland Corrective Services welcomed 26 new custodial correctional officers at a graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
Commissioner Peter Martin APM congratulated the 26 graduates of the Custodial Officer Entry Level Program (COEP) as they were sworn into their vital role in ensuring public safety across Queensland.
He also commended the dedication of an officer awarded the Diploma of Correctional Administration.
The COEP graduates will join their colleagues at a number of correctional centres and commands within Queensland Corrective Services, including:
- Six officers to Woodford Correctional Centre
- Six officers to Borallon Training and Correctional Centre
- Six officers to Capricornia Correctional Centre
- Five officers to the Escort and Security Branch
- Three officers to Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre
Commissioner Martin congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the entry program and welcomed them into the corrective services field during a period of significant reform.
"All our officers, including today's graduates, undertake training to ensure they are prepared to take on the challenges of working in a correctional environment every day," Commissioner Martin said.
"It's a truly exciting time to join QCS on the front line of public safety as we work and position our department into a top tier public safety agency and continue to keep Queensland safe.
"Our guiding principles that will inform our progress to our aspirational goals in 2030 are Safety, Excellence, Empowerment, Accountability and Respect.
"I expect all our officers to use these guiding principles as a road map as we all continue to develop our culture and strive for best practice as a world class corrective service."
"Today's graduates come from a multitude of backgrounds, from mortician to plumber, but all follow a fine tradition to join the QCS ranks and boost safety across Queensland."
"I have the upmost respect for all our officers working in the correctional system. They are impressive individuals and I welcome them all to the QCS family."
