Corrections dog squad boost to enhance safety and security

 

• Largest singular intake of new Corrective Services dogs and their handlers graduate in front of family and friends
• Highly skilled teams deployed to correctional centres in Townsville, Rockhampton, Brisbane and the Lockyer Valley

 

Queensland Corrective Services has celebrated a milestone of the four-legged variety as 10 new Corrective Services dogs and their handlers graduated into the specialist QCS Dog Squad today (8 May).

In QCS’ largest singular intake of canines, new general purpose dogs Brock, Blondie, Viper, Zyke, Neci, Jack, Gunner, Vlad, Oni and Axel will be deployed to correctional centres around the state to enhance safety and security.

           

During the rigorous 12-week QCS general purpose dog handler training program, officers are taught core practical competencies in obedience, agility, bite work and de-escalation, as well as theory and principles of dog training.

The newest Dog Squad handlers, who were existing custodial officers before joining the squad, were recognised in front of family, friends and colleagues while two additional officers graduated as instructors for Woodford and Brisbane correctional centres.

Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber praised the new handlers and their dogs, highlighting the important role they play in enhancing community safety and security.

“I’d like to extend my congratulations to the new Corrective Services handlers and their dogs and thank them for the work they do in keeping Queenslanders safe,” Minister Gerber said.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to restoring safety to Queensland communities and Queensland Corrective Services play a vital role in this.

“These officers and their four-legged-friends will be on the frontline of public safety and I look forward to supporting them in their roles.”

QCS Dog Squad Acting Manager Tony Tarlowski said there was a high level of skill and commitment invested in the training of the handlers and their dogs.

“General purpose dogs and their handlers require specific skills to manage risks and contain situations safely within correctional centres,” Mr Tarlowski said.

“Our world-class course is designed to ensure these skills are attained to the highest standard to ensure the safety and security of our centres and the broader community.

“We congratulate today’s graduates and look forward to seeing their careers develop.”

Newly qualified QCS Dog Handler Neil, graduating with general purpose dog Neci, has worked with QCS for five years in tactical and emergency response, and his close working with the Dog Squad inspired him to join.

“After seeing the professional way the Dog Squad continuously conducts itself, it became a personal goal to further my career and become a handler,” Neil said.

“I am drawn to the discipline, trust and teamwork required to train and work with these highly skilled dogs. The unique partnership between handler and dog plays a vital role in maintaining order and security within our correctional centres and this role allows me to use my skills in a meaningful way to make our communities safer.”

Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting and becoming a Custodial Correctional Officer is the starting point for an exciting career with a wide range of career paths and opportunities, including becoming a Dog Squad officer.

ENDS