New correctional officers committed to community safety in North Queensland

• 27 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the public safety frontline in Townsville
• All 27 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 27 new Custodial Correctional officers to the frontline of public safety in North Queensland after a graduation ceremony on Friday, 28 March.

Having now completed the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program, the new officers will be deployed to Townsville Correctional Complex 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.

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.

At the ceremony, one officer was recognised for 20 years of outstanding service, awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber praised the new officers for their dedication, highlighting their crucial role in protecting Queensland communities.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to restoring safety to Queensland communities and Queensland Corrective Services play a vital role in this,” she said.

“Today’s graduates are stepping into an important job where they will soon be on the frontline of public safety, working to ensure the security of our prisons and safety in our communities.

“I am committed to ensuring Queensland Corrective Services and our officers have the resources, infrastructure and support they need to conduct their jobs in an environment where they can thrive.”

General Manager Townsville Correctional Complex, Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw welcomed the new officers and congratulated them on their graduation.

“We welcome our 27 newest Custodial Correctional Officers to Townsville Correctional Complex and thank them for their commitment to making Queensland safer,” she said.

“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 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.