New correctional officers committed to community safety in Townsville

• 16 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the public safety frontline in Northern Queensland
• All 16 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 16 new Custodial Correctional Officers to the frontline of public safety in Townsville after a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, 25 June.

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.

Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber congratulated the graduating officers for the dedication they’ve shown during their training program and their commitment to community safety.

“Today’s graduates are taking on a significant responsibility and will soon be on the frontline, working to ensure the security of our prisons and safety in our communities,” Minister Gerber said.

“I commend them for the hard work and dedication demonstrated during their 10-week training program and wish them the very best as they step into their new roles.

“You play an integral role in keeping Queenslanders safe, and I thank you for the commitment you have shown to improving community safety.”

QCS Central and Northern Region Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart McHaffie ACM welcomed the new officers and congratulated them on their graduation.

“We are honoured to welcome our 16 newest Custodial Correctional Officers to Townsville Correctional Centre and thank them for their dedication to making Queensland safer,” A/Assistant Commissioner McHaffie 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.