New correctional officers improve community safety in Capricornia

11/12/2023 In Accountability, Corrections 2030 principles, Empowerment, Excellence, Media Release, Respect, Safety

New correctional officers improve community safety in Capricornia

Thirteen Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
One officer awarded coveted National Medal
Officers equipped with highest level of training

Queensland Corrective Services inducted 13 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety on Friday 8 December working to reduce reoffending to keep Rockhampton 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 graduates will be posted to Capricornia Correctional Centre.

At the ceremony, one officer was recognised with the prestigious National Medal.

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 Police and Corrective Services, and the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, the Member for Rockhampton Mr Barry O’Rourke MP attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.

Quotes attributable to Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke:

“Congratulations to our new graduates for upholding public safety and ensuring prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.

“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.

“Together with the community, we are incredibly proud of the work officers do and their dedication and commitment to their role in keeping the public safe.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Superintendent Richard Butcher, General Manager, Capricornia Correctional Centre:

“Congratulations to all our correctional officers today for their commitment and service to frontline public safety.”

“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 they 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).
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.