New correctional officers improve community safety in South East Queensland
- New Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
- Two officers awarded National and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals
- Officers equipped with highest level of training
Queensland Corrective Services inducted almost fifty Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety on Wednesday 22 November, working to reduce reoffending to keep Queenslanders safe.
Joined by family and friends, 47 new officers were recognised for their achievement after completing a paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.
The graduates will be posted to Arthur Gorrie, Borallon, Brisbane and Brisbane Women’s, Wolston and Woodford correctional centres, as well as the Escort and Security Branch, in coming days.
At the ceremony, two 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.
Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Mark Ryan, attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Corrective Services Mark Ryan:
“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 QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM:
“We welcome today’s graduate correctional officers into their new roles. 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.
ENDS