New correctional officers improve community safety in South East Queensland

06/12/2023 In Accountability, Corrections 2030 principles, Custodial Operations, Empowerment, Excellence, Media Release, Respect, Safety

New correctional officers improve community safety in South East Queensland

More than 60 Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety
Three officers awarded National and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals
Officers equipped with highest level of training

Queensland Corrective Services inducted a staggering 60 plus Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety today (Wednesday 6 December) working to reduce reoffending to keep Queenslanders safe.

Joined by family and friends, 63 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 officers were recognised with the prestigious National Medal, while one officer was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct 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 Mount Ommaney Ms Jessica Pugh MP attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.

Quotes attributable to Member for Mount Ommaney, Jessica Pugh:

“Congratulations to our new graduates for completing the rigorous training program to uphold public safety and ensure 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:

“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.