New correctional officers help keep Far North Queensland communities safe

26/09/2023 In Accountability, Corrections 2030 principles, Custodial Operations, Empowerment, Excellence, Far Northern Region, Media Release, Respect, Safety

New correctional officers help keep Far North Queensland communities safe

10 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
55 new CCOs have started at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in past year
Officers acknowledged for the National Medal and Long Service Good Conduct Medal
Officers equipped with highest level of training and mentor program support

Queensland Corrective Services inducted 10 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety in Far North Queensland on Friday 22 September.

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

The graduates will be paired with experienced officers as part of the First Year Mentoring Program offering them hands-on guidance and support as they transition into their operational roles.

The 10 graduates have been posted to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre. Since 22 September 2022, 55 officers have completed their training and started working at the centre.

The ceremony also acknowledged nine officers for the coveted National Medal in recognition of 15 or more years of service in a frontline public safety agency as well as four officers with the Long Service Good Conduct Medal.

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 Chief Superintendent Gabrielle Payne ACM, General Manager, Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, QCS:

“We welcome today’s new Custodial Correctional Officers and recognise our most experienced officers at Lotus Glen.

“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we strive to ensure they are supported as they carry out their often-unseen duties.

“Officer safety in the workplace is essential and our new recruits now have the added support of experienced officers as part of our First Year Mentoring program to guide and build their confidence as they transition into operational roles.

“We are extremely proud of all our officers who make public safety the priority every day, striving to ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.”

Further information:

Queensland Corrective Services has launched a new careers page online. For more information 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.
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.