New correctional officers committed to community safety in Far North Queensland

• 17 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the public safety frontline in Far North Queensland.
• All 17 have completed the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program including on-the-job training.
• The new officers are now ready to play their role in protecting community safety.

Queensland Corrective Services welcomed 17 new Custodial Correctional Officers to the frontline of public safety in Mareeba after a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, 9 December.

Having now completed the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program, the new officers who come from a variety of nationalities and backgrounds will be deployed to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre where they will work toward making Queensland safer through prisoner reform.

The 10-week paid Custodial Officer Entry program has equipped each officer with fundamental skills in conflict management, tactical skills and QCS policies and legislation.

The new officers add to the 64 new recruits who have already graduated and commenced their career at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre this year, bringing the total of new officers to 81.

More than 1,000 Custodial Correctional Officers have joined the ranks at QCS this year across the state.

At the ceremony, an officer with 15 years experience was recognised with the National Medal.

As part of their dynamic, varied and rewarding new careers, the CCOs will work to stop the cycle of reoffending through the safe and secure management of prisoners and correctional facilities, with a range of roles available to grow their careers.

Continued on-the-job training and professional development opportunities ensure officers can progress their careers and develop skills to keep our communities safe in dynamic situations.

Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber congratulated the graduating officers for completing their training.

“Corrective Services officers play a critical role protecting our communities and supporting the rehabilitation of offenders to make Queensland safer,” Minister Gerber said.

“Congratulations to the new graduates, I wish them the best as they embark on this exciting step in their careers.”

Officiating at his first graduations since joining QCS in September, Deputy Commissioner Custodial Operations Jon Peach welcomed the new officers and congratulated them on their graduation.

“We are honoured to welcome our 17 newest Custodial Correctional Officers to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre and thank them for their dedication to making Queensland safer,” DC Peach said.

“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 safe 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.

Becoming a Custodial Correctional Officer is the starting point for an exciting career with Queensland Corrective Services with a wide range of career paths and opportunities.
Custodial Correctional Officers enjoy excellent employment conditions including a competitive salary and superannuation, employment security, salary packaging and health and wellbeing programs.

Further information:

• For more information and to find out how to join Queensland Corrective Services, 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.

ENDS