New correctional officers improve community safety in Maryborough
• 14 new Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
• Seven officers awarded National and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals
• Officers equipped with highest level of training
Queensland Corrective Services inducted 14 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety today (Friday 17 November) 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 14 graduates will be posted to Maryborough Correctional Centre in coming days.
At the ceremony, seven experienced officers were recognised with the prestigious National Medal and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.
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 Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Mark Ryan, Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.
Quotes attributable to Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders:
“Congratulations to our new graduates and experienced officers for upholding public safety and ensuring prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.
“From supporting the community to get ready for natural disasters or equipping prisoners with vital life and employable skills, the work Queensland Corrective Services does is an essential part of our criminal justice system, delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services, which contribute to a safer Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Central and Northern Region Command, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Stuart McHaffie, QCS:
“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 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.