New correctional officers boost community safety in South East Queensland
- 33 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
- 403 new officers have joined QCS in the past year
- One officer recognised with prestigious National Medal
- Officers equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support.
Queensland Corrective Services inducted 33 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety at the QCS Academy on Wednesday 5 July working to reduce reoffending to keep Queenslanders safe.
Family and friends looked on as the new officers were recognised for their achievement after completing a paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.
The 33 graduates will be posted to Arthur Gorrie, Brisbane Men’s and Women’s, Borallon, Southern Queensland and Woodford correctional centres.
In the past year, 403 new CCOs have joined the QCS ranks, deployed to correctional centres around the state.
The ceremony also recognised one officer from Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre who received the coveted National Medal in recognition of 15 or more years of service in a frontline public safety agency.
QCS is actively recruiting with many career paths on offer at the top tier public safety agency, including CCOs, trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, counsellors, cultural liaison officers and administrative roles, all of which play a vital role in managing and rehabilitating prisoners to keep communities safe.
Representing the Minister for Police and Corrective Services, and the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, the Member for Mount Ommaney Ms Jessica Pugh MP attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.
Quotes attributable to Jessica Pugh, Member for Mount Ommaney:
“Congratulations to our new graduates for completing the rigorous training program to uphold public safety and ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.
“We are incredibly proud of every one of our officers for the difference they make in our community and their dedication and commitment to their role in keeping the public safe.”
Quotes attributable to Adam Black, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Organisational Capability, Queensland Corrective Services:
“Corrections is challenging work, but our officers are equipped with the highest level of training, skills, and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively.
“Our ranks have grown by more than 400 in the past year, with each and every officer contributing to making Queensland communities safer.
“Every interaction, whether it’s finding contraband or helping to educate prisoners, is an opportunity to address offending behaviour and to improve the vocational and life skills of prisoners, assisting in their rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community.”
Further information:
- Queensland Corrective Services has launched a new careers page online. For more information and to find out how to join, head to: Careers | Queensland Corrective Services (corrections.qld.gov.au).
- The total remuneration package for a QCS Custodial Correctional Officer ranges from $81,645 to $117,152 which includes base salary plus allowances and employer superannuation contributions. CCOs work a compressed seven-day fortnight.
- Eligible candidates who relocate from interstate or South East Queensland to Capricornia, Townsville or Lotus Glen Correctional Centres may also be eligible for a relocation assistance package up to the value of $7,000.
- The National Medal, introduced in 1975, is Australia’s most awarded civilian medal.
- The medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.
ENDS