- 10 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
- 45 new CCOs have started at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in past year
- Officers acknowledged for the National Medal and Long Service Good Conduct Medal
- Officers equipped with highest level of training and mentor program support
Queensland Corrective Services inducted 10 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety in Far North Queensland on Friday 22 September.
Joined by family and friends, the new officers were recognised for their achievement after completing a paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.
The graduates will be paired with experienced officers as part of the First Year Mentoring Program offering them hands-on guidance and support as they transition into their operational roles.
The 10 graduates have been posted to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre. Since 22 September 2022, 55 officers have completed their training and started working at the centre.
The ceremony also acknowledged nine officers for the coveted National Medal in recognition of 15 or more years of service in a frontline public safety agency as well as four officers with the Long Service Good Conduct Medal.
There are many career paths the top-tier public safety agency offers including CCOs, trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, counsellors, cultural liaison officers and administrative roles, all of which play a vital role in managing and rehabilitating prisoners to keep communities safe.
Quotes attributable to Chief Superintendent Gabrielle Payne ACM, General Manager, Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, QCS:
"We welcome today's new Custodial Correctional Officers and recognise our most experienced officers at Lotus Glen.
"Our officers are our greatest asset, and we strive to ensure they are supported as they carry out their often-unseen duties.
"Officer safety in the workplace is essential and our new recruits now have the added support of experienced officers as part of our First Year Mentoring program to guide and build their confidence as they transition into operational roles.
"We are extremely proud of all our officers who make public safety the priority every day, striving to ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime."
