Lotus Glen welcomes 15 new officers, farewells PADD dog Sarah

Fifteen new custodial correctional officers were sworn into their front-line role in public safety at a ceremony in Mareeba today.

Queensland Corrective Services Deputy Commissioner James Koulouris congratulated the graduates completing the Custodial Officer Entry Program (COEP).

“Our officers are the best trained and equipped in Australia and these graduates stand ready to take on the challenges of stepping onto the front line of public safety,” Deputy Commissioner Koulouris said.

“These graduates join their colleagues at one of the most modern prisons in Australia, helping transform the lives of those in our supervision, and making our communities safer by reducing reoffending.

“All QCS officers are guided by the five principles of Corrections 2030 – Safety, Excellence, Empowerment, Respect and Accountability –a 10 year roadmap of our continued progress as a top tier public safety agency,” Deputy Commissioner Koulouris said.

The COEP graduates will be stationed at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, near Mareeba in the Atherton tablelands, a short drive from Cairns.

Lotus Glen has an active recruitment campaign underway to fill over 60 vacant positions, and Deputy Commissioner Koulouris encouraged people from all walks of life to consider the challenge of a career in corrective services.

“If you think you have what it takes to keep your community safe and have a rewarding career, I encourage you to apply,” Deputy Commissioner Koulouris said.

The ceremony will also mark the end of an era at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, with Passive Alert Detection Dog Sarah retiring in coming weeks.

The 11-year-old Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest and longest-serving corrections dog in Queensland.

For nine years, Sarah played a vital role in detecting contraband, making Lotus Glen safer for officers, prisoners and visitors.

While she still acts like a puppy, it is time for her to hand up her harness and settle into a life of luxury with her handler’s family.

Sarah will give a demonstration of her abilities to sniff out contraband and be formally recognised for her service.

To find out more about career options within Queensland Corrective Services, visit corrections.qld.gov.au/careers