New correctional officers committed to community safety in Far North Queensland

• 26 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the public safety frontline in Far North Queensland.
• All 26 have completed the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program including on-the-job training.
• The new officers now ready to play their role in protecting community safety.

Queensland Corrective Services welcomed 26 new officers to the frontline of public safety in Mareeba after a graduation ceremony on Friday, 13 December.

On completion of the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program, the new officers are now ready to play their role in protecting community safety through prisoner reform.

Led by experienced instructors from the Queensland Corrective Services Academy, the officer entry program includes training in conflict management, tactical skills and QCS policies and legislation.

The new officers will now be deployed to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre where they will work to stop the cycle of reoffending through the safe and secure management of prisoners and correctional facilities as part of their dynamic, varied and rewarding new career.

Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber commended the new officers for their commitment and said they will play a vital role in preventing Queenslanders from becoming victims of crime.

“The Government made a promise to Queenslanders to restore safety where you live. Queensland Corrective Services play a vital role in this.

“Our dedicated officers are on the front line of public safety, working tirelessly to reduce reoffending and keep Queenslanders safe.

“I am determined to support Queensland Corrective Services and our officers with the recourses, infrastructure and opportunities needed – because I know that a strong and stable corrective service creates a strong and safe community.”

Lotus Glen Correctional Centre General Manager, Chief Superintendent Gabrielle Payne welcomed the new officers and congratulated them on their achievement.

“We welcome our 26 newest Custodial Correctional Officers to Lotus Glen and thank them for their commitment to helping keep Queensland 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.”

Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting for good, public safety focused jobs and careers including trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, counsellors, cultural liaison officers and administration.

Custodial Correctional Officers enjoy excellent employment conditions including a competitive salary and superannuation, employment security, salary packaging and health and wellbeing programs.

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).
• Eligible candidates who relocate from interstate or South East Queensland to Capricornia, Townsville or Lotus Glen Correctional Centres may be eligible for a relocation assistance package up to the value of $7,000.