Eighteen custodial officer graduates sworn into their vital role in ensuring public safety

QCS has welcomed the 18 newest graduates of the Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP) as they were sworn into their vital role in ensuring public safety across Queensland at a ceremony in Wacol last week (5 June).

We were also proud to recognise the meritorious and honourable service of 19 officers who have served to protect Queensland cumulatively for 325 years at the ceremony.

These professional custodial correctional officers will be responsible for the management of some of the most dangerous and complex people in society.

The graduates will join their colleagues at a number of correctional centres and commands within QCS, including:

• Seven officers to Woodford Correctional Centre
• Four officers to Wolston Correctional Centre
• Four officers to Escort and Security Branch
• Three officers to Borallon Training and Correctional Centre.

Commissioner Martin congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the entry program.

“Our highly skilled officers, including today’s graduates, undertake stringent training to ensure they are prepared to take on the challenges of working in a correctional environment every day.

“The COEP program focuses on best-practice approaches, including correctional centre practices, behaviour management and places great emphasis on safety including situational awareness and communication, and de-escalation techniques.

“Today’s graduates come from a multitude of backgrounds but all follow a fine tradition to join the QCS ranks and boost safety across Queensland.

“I have great admiration for all officers working in the correctional system. They are impressive individuals, and I thank them for their efforts,” Commissioner Martin said.

The ceremony also marked the first presentation of a Diploma of Correctional Administration to an officer from Fiji Corrections, although many officers from Pacific island nations have benefitted from training with QCS.

In addition to welcoming the new officers, a number of long standing officers were recognised, including one officer who received the National Medal for 15 years’ Long and Meritorious Service.

Another four officers received QCS medals for 25 Years’ Long and Meritorious Service and 14 were awarded the QCS Medal for 15 Years’ Long and Meritorious Service.