Largest ever group of 156 new officers boost QCS ranks

The Queensland Corrective Services Academy hosted the largest ever group of trainees last week.

The group of 156 trainee officers is a record for the Wacol-based academy, and is a part of a recruitment push in preparation for the transition of Queensland’s two privately operated prisons to public administration.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the group will have to wait to enjoy a formal graduation ceremony, but marked the milestone with a socially distanced photo last week.

QCS Academy officers have been praised for their work training this unprecedented group, particularly considering the social distancing required during the pandemic.

The Academy has made a range of innovations and changes to the training course to ensure the officers are equipped to undertake their vital public safety roles, managing the most complex and challenging people in our society.

The new officers will join their colleagues at a number of correctional centres and commands within QCS in coming weeks.

Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Martin APM congratulated the new officers and encouraged others looking for a stable, interesting job with a wide variety of career paths and job opportunities throughout Queensland to ‘take a look inside’.

“These new officers join the QCS family at a time when QCS undergoes transformational change and growth,” Commissioner Martin said.

“There has never been a better time to consider joining an aspiring top tier front line public safety agency to help transform lives and communities every day.

“I encourage applicants to take a look inside to see if they are up to the challenge of a career in QCS. We are looking for passionate people from all walks of life who are interested in working at the very front line of public safety,” Commisisoner Martin said.

For information on how to apply to become a Custodial Correctional Officer, visit corrections.qld.gov.au