New correctional officers, GP dogs join the front line

26/10/2023 In Accountability, Corrections 2030 principles, Empowerment, Excellence, Media Release, Respect, Safety

New correctional officers, GP dogs join the front line

Fifteen new Custodial Correctional Officers graduate to frontline public safety
Three new General-Purpose dogs and their handlers join the Delta Unit
Two officers recognised with the prestigious National Medal
One officer awarded Unit Citations for professional conduct in restoring order and bringing non-compliant prisoners under control at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre in 2020

Queensland Corrective Services inducted 15 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) and three new General-Purpose dogs and their handlers to the frontline of public safety on Wednesday 25 October. Together they will work to reduce reoffending to keep Queensland communities safe.

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

The graduates will be posted to Arthur Gorrie, Brisbane, Brisbane Women’s and Wolston correctional centres in coming days.

At the ceremony, two experienced officers were recognised with the prestigious National Medal and one officer was presented with the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for their bravery and leadership in response to disorderly and unlawful behaviour at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre in 2020. One officer received the Long Service Good Conduct Medal.

Meanwhile, three new General-Purpose dogs and their handlers graduated to the ranks of the Queensland Corrective Services’ Delta Unit.

The dog squad teams join the front line of public safety following a rigorous course which includes intensive operational deployment training at the Wacol prison precinct.

To earn their accreditation, the graduates successfully completed three months of training to ensure they are prepared for the challenges on the job.

The graduating dogs and their handlers will be posted to:

- CS Dog Bodhi and handler Russell to Southern Queensland
- CS Dog Quba and handler Daniel to Woodford
- CS Dog Shaq and handler Aaron to Woodford

One officer also graduated as a General-Purpose Dog Squad Instructor and will be posted to Borallon Training and Correctional Centre.

There are many career paths the top tier public safety agency offers 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.

Quotes attributable to Adam Black, Deputy Commissioner, Organisational Capability, QCS:

“Congratulations to all the new and experienced officers today, including the dogs and their handlers, for their commitment and service to the frontline public safety agency.

“Corrections is challenging work, but our officers are equipped with the highest level of training, skills, and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively.

“Every interaction officers have is an opportunity to address offending behaviour and improve the vocational and life skills of prisoners, assisting in their rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community.”

Quotes attributable to David Hurikino, Acting Dog Squad State Manager, QCS:

“It is a privilege to welcome the new handlers and dogs to the QCS Dog Squad who will be a credit to their units and correctional centre.

“The tactical dog team, the operational deployment training phase of the course, comes after three months of rigorous and specialised training. The course equips handlers with skills necessary to resolve security incidents and develop teamwork and confidence between themselves and their corrective services dog.

“The bond between a corrective services dog and handler is a deep one, built over countless hours of training, working, and living together. It is a bond unlike any other and is something that will stay with the officer forever.”

“Together with their general duties dogs, the handlers will be providing the highest security and response capability, responding to emergency situations and keeping our prisons safe every day.”

Further information:

For more information about Queensland Corrective Services and to find out how to join the top tier public safety agency head to: Careers | Queensland Corrective Services (corrections.qld.gov.au).
The total remuneration package for a QCS Custodial Correctional Officer ranges from $81,645 to $117,152 which includes base salary plus allowances and employer superannuation contributions.
Eligible candidates who relocate from interstate or South East Queensland to Capricornia, Townsville or Lotus Glen Correctional Centres may also be eligible for a relocation assistance package up to the value of $7,000.
Since the first dog squads were introduced to the Etna Creek Prison in Rockhampton in 1977, Delta Units have been deployed to all high security correctional centres in Queensland.
The National Medal, introduced in 1975, is Australia’s most awarded civilian medal.
The medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.