New correctional officers committed to community safety in Rockhampton

• 35 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the public safety frontline in Central Queensland.
• All 35 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 35 new officers to the frontline of public safety in Rockhampton after a graduation ceremony on Friday, 6 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 Capricornia 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.

Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland MP represented the Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber at the graduation ceremony.

“To each and every one of our graduating officers, thank you for putting your hand up to serve our community and create a safer Queensland,” she said.

“The Queensland Corrective Service is vital to restoring community safety, and these new Custodial Officers will be at the forefront of crime prevention and offender rehabilitation in Rockhampton.”

At the graduation ceremony, Custodial Correctional Officer Lyle from Capricornia Correctional Centre was presented with the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with 40-year clasp, recognising outstanding conduct and long-term commitment to the agency.

Capricornia Correctional Centre General Manager, Chief Superintendent Alan Houchin welcomed the 35 new officers and congratulated them on their achievement.

“We welcome our 35 newest Custodial Correctional Officers to Rockhampton 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.”

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.