Corrective Services dogs trained to keep North Queensland prisons safe

Queensland Corrective Services Dog Squad officers, Steve with Lobo, Ainsley with Ragner, Darren with Bondi, Tony with Blade, Jade with Ezra and Jacques with Yaeger

Lotus Glen Correctional Centre is currently hosting a joint general purpose dog handler training course with officers from Townsville Correctional Complex (TCC).

Chief Superintendent Queensland Corrective Services Academy Alan Butler said it was a practical decision for Lotus Glen to join forces with officers from Townsville to enable operational agility and minimise unnecessary travel during the COVID-19 pandemic for training usually completed onsite at the Dog Squad Complex in Wacol.

“Due to the importance of our dog squad program and the value QCS dogs add to correctional centre security, this essential training could not be delayed,” said Chief Superintendent Butler.

“The pandemic has shifted how we conduct all of our operational training, and I commend our agile training officers for their work to complete these regional certifications, while minimising essential travel.”

The 12-week general purpose dog handler training program has a strong focus on safety and security, with graduates playing a vital role in emergency response and deescalation on deployment to a correctional centre. Core competencies of the course include obedience, agility, searching, bite work and handler scenario training.

Chief Superintendent Butler said there is 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.”

“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.”