Graduating officers boost safety for Queensland Corrective Services

Community safety has been boosted with 14 custodial correctional officer graduates joining the Queensland Corrective Services ranks at a ceremony held in Mareeba last week.

The officers will join their colleagues at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC).

Queensland Corrective Services Deputy Commissioner, Community Corrections and Specialist Operations, Paul Stewart welcomed the graduates as they were sworn into their vital role in ensuring public safety.

Deputy Commissioner Stewart praised custodial correctional officers for their hard work and commitment to keeping Queensland safe through the humane containment and rehabilitation of prisoners.

“Our professional officers manage some of the most complex and challenging people in society in an often under-appreciated field.

“Without a doubt our communities are safer because of their continued efforts to ensure public safety.

“The role of a custodial correctional officer is a vital one, and I thank all officers for their hard work,” Deputy Commissioner Stewart said.

Deputy Commissioner Stewart congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP).

“Our highly skilled officers, including the graduates, undertake stringent training to ensure they are prepared to take on the challenges of working in a correctional environment every day,” Deputy Commissioner Stewart said.

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

LGCC General Manager Michael MacFarlane said the 14 graduates would be a welcome addition to the front line.

“In addition to being well trained in their new roles as custodial correctional officers, they come from various walks of life, ranging from an airline club manager to a hydrographic surveyor, bringing a wealth of life experience to their new roles,” Mr MacFarlane said.

Along with the graduating officers, an LGCC officer was awarded a Diploma of Correctional Administration at the ceremony.