New correctional officers celebrate graduation into frontline of public safety
- Lotus Glen Correctional Centre formally welcomed nine new Custodial Correctional Officers
- Officers equipped with highest level of training as part of 10-week paid program
- QCS actively recruiting for a variety of roles
Queensland Corrective Services inducted nine new Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety on Friday 9 February, working to reduce reoffending to keep Far North Queensland safe.
Joined by family and friends, the new officers were recognised for their achievement after completing a paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.
In unique circumstances, the officers completed their training in December, and were deployed to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, however their graduation ceremony was postponed due to the impacts of Cyclone Jasper.
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.
Quotes attributable to Eloise Hamlett ACM, Assistant Commissioner, Central and Northern Region Command QCS:
“Congratulations to our newest correctional officers for their commitment and service to frontline public safety.
“Our graduates come from different walks of life with different life experiences, and are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively.
“Queensland Corrective Services is an essential part of our criminal justice system, delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services, which contribute to a safer Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Superintendent Gabrielle Payne ACM, General Manager, Lotus Glen Correctional Centre:
“We formally welcomed nine new Custodial Correctional Officers to Lotus Glen after their original graduation was postponed from December and thank them for their commitment to helping keep communities safe.
“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we strive to ensure they are supported as they carry out their often-unseen duties.
“Every interaction our officers have 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.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui MP:
“Working in corrections requires specialised skills and traits and officers play a very important role in the criminal justice system.
“I am sure the recruits will find their new career rewarding and meaningful and we welcome them to Lotus Glen.”
Further information:
- Queensland Corrective Services has a 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 $88,160 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.
ENDS