New correctional officers improve community safety in Rockhampton

Queensland’s newest corrective services officers have moved to the frontline of public safety, working to reduce reoffending to keep the community safe.

Nine new custodial correctional officers were sworn into their roles at a Queensland Corrective Services’ (QCS) graduation ceremony.

Assistant Minister for Education and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM congratulated the graduates who join the forward-thinking agency at an exciting time of transformation and growth.

“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,” Ms Lauga said.

“Correctional officers make our communities safer places and 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.”

Commissioner Stewart said the new officers were ready to take on the many challenges of working in a correctional centre after successfully completing the paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.

“Our correctional officers are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“We acknowledge their achievement and their commitment to model the key principles of the Corrections 2030 strategy – safety, respect, excellence, empowerment and accountability.”

The nine graduating officers will be posted to the Capricornia Correctional Centre which has high and low security facilities.

Commissioner Stewart said Queensland Corrective Services was actively recruiting to fill positions across the State.

“QCS offers a great opportunity for people throughout Queensland to join a frontline public safety agency and make a real difference to their community,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“There are many career paths in QCS, from custodial correctional officers, trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, social workers and administrative roles, all of which play a vital role in managing and rehabilitating prisoners.”

To find out more about career options in some of the world’s most modern and technologically-advanced prisons, visit corrections.qld.gov.au/careers