New correctional officers help keep South East Queensland communities safe

• 43 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
• One officer recognised with the prestigious National Medal
• Queensland Corrective Services offers many career paths

Queensland Corrective Services inducted 43 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety on Wednesday 27 September at the QCS Academy working to reduce reoffending to keep Queenslanders 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 43 graduates have been posted to Arthur Gorrie, Borallon, Brisbane, Brisbane Women’s and Woodford correctional centres.

The ceremony also recognised one officer with the coveted National Medal in recognition of 15 or more years of service in a frontline public safety agency.

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.

Quotes attributable to Gary McCahon, Acting Commissioner, Queensland Corrective Services:

“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, whether it’s finding contraband or helping to educate prisoners, 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 launched a new careers page online. For more information and to find out how to join, 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. CCOs work a compressed seven-day fortnight.
• 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.