New correctional officers committed to community safety in Townsville

• Townsville Correctional Complex welcomed 17 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 17 new Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety on Friday 5 April, working to reduce reoffending to keep Townsville communities safe.

Joined by family and friends, the new officers were recognised for their achievement after completing a paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.

The new officers will be posted to Townsville Men’s Correctional Centre and Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre in coming days.

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.

Representing the Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Nikki Boyd MP, the Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals, the Honourable Scott Stewart MP attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals, Scott Stewart:

“Congratulations to the new graduates for completing the rigorous training program to uphold public safety and ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.

“From supporting the community to get ready for natural disasters or equipping prisoners with vital life and employable skills, the work Queensland Corrective Services does 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 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 Louise Kneeshaw, General Manager, Townsville Correctional Complex:

“We welcome our 17 newest Custodial Correctional Officers to Townsville 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.”

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.