Queensland's newest corrective services officers have moved to the frontline of public safety, working to reduce reoffending to keep Southeast Queensland safe.
18 new custodial correctional officers were sworn into their roles and four officers recognised for their combined 100 years of service in keeping Queensland safe at a Queensland Corrective Services' (QCS) graduation ceremony recently.
Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan and QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM congratulated the graduates who have joined the forward-thinking agency at an exciting time of transformation and growth.
"Queensland Corrective Services is an essential part of our criminal justice system, delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services which contribute to a safer Queensland," Minister Ryan said.
"Correctional officers make public safety the priority every day, striving to ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.
"Every interaction they have is an opportunity to address offending behaviour and to improve the vocational and life skills of prisoners, assisting in their rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community."
QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said the new officers were ready to take on the many challenges of working in a correctional centre after successfully completing the paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.
"Our correctional officers are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively," Commissioner Stewart said.
"We acknowledge their achievement and their commitment to model the key principles of the Corrections 2030 strategy – safety, respect, excellence, empowerment and accountability."
The 18 graduating officers have been posted to the high security Borallon and Southern Queensland Correctional Centres.
The Minister and Commissioner also presented four of Queensland's most experienced officers with Long Service and Good Conduct medals.
Commissioner Stewart said Queensland Corrective Services was actively recruiting to fill positions across the State.
"QCS offers a great opportunity for people throughout Queensland to join a frontline public safety agency and make a real difference to their community.
"There are many career paths in QCS, from custodial correctional officers, trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, social workers and administrative roles, all of which play a vital role in managing and rehabilitating prisoners," Commissioner Stewart said.
