Officers bring life skills to new career in corrections
- 77 new Lockyer Valley custodial officers join the frontline of public safety after undertaking 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program
- Officers applying life skills and experience into a career in community safety
Five former hairdressers and four people moving from the disability sector into corrections are among the 77 new officers who have successfully completed the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program in the Lockyer Valley.
Also taking their previous career skills in a new direction are former defence, police and justice officers who will be part of the 800-strong workforce for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre, Queensland’s newest high security men’s prison.
Until the new centre is commissioned, the new Custodial Correctional Officers will be deployed to the frontline of public safety at centres throughout South East Queensland to further develop their skills.
Led by experienced instructors from the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Academy, the entry program includes training in conflict management, tactical skills and QCS policies and legislation to assist with prisoner rehabilitation.
Friends and family were joined by QCS leaders and colleagues and Lockyer Valley Regional Council Cr Anthony Wilson to congratulate the new officers on their achievement.
Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting in the Lockyer Valley for good, public safety focused jobs and careers, including occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, education and program delivery officers as well as administration officers.
Quotes attributable to Corrective Services Minister, Nikki Boyd:
“Public safety is a priority. That means we need the right people with the right training to ensure the smooth running of our correctional facilities.
“Making sure prisoners are in a safe environment where they can get effective rehabilitation is an important part of keeping Queensland communities safer.
“We back our frontline Custodial Correctional Officers because of the great work they do in helping to keep Queenslanders safe.”
Quotes attributable to Anthony Wilson, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Sport and Recreational Portfolio Councillor:
“Congratulations to all the new correctional officers graduating today. I wish you all the best as you start your career on the front line of public safety.
“The meaningful work you are about to embark on will not only improve public safety and the lives of prisoners, but your decision to work in the Lockyer Valley has far-reaching and tangible benefits for our community.
“The Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre is bringing a jobs bonanza to the region with hundreds of good, secure positions that will boost the local economy, and we look forward to welcoming many more of your colleagues to the region in future.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Joel Smith, Custodial Operations, Southern Region, QCS:
“Congratulations to all of our new colleagues graduating as Custodial Correctional Officers today.
“After getting frontline experience at centres throughout Southeast Queensland, they’ll become part of the work force needed for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre, Queensland’s newest men’s high security prison.
“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we thank them all for their commitment to protecting the safety of Queensland communities.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Superintendent Bernie Kruhse, General Manager, Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre:
“We are incredibly proud of today’s group of graduates for their commitment and service to frontline public safety.
“Working in corrections can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding and our officers are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to perform their roles safely and effectively.
“Our recruits come from all walks of life and previous backgrounds, bringing real world experience to their roles. Problem solving, listening and helping people change their behaviour are all attributes that make a great QCS officer.
“We are actively recruiting for a range of roles including custodial officers, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists and education and program delivery officers to help us create a modern, fit for purpose correctional environment that will provide better outcomes for everyone – our officers, the prisoners and the community.”
Further information:
- For more information about how to join the front line of public safety at QCS, go to https://corrections.qld.gov.au/lockyervalley
ENDS
Audio grabs with new Custodial Correctional Officer Layne:
1. Joining Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre
2. Change of career from hairdressing
3. Transferable skills from hairdressing
4. Work-life balance as a Custodial Correctional Officer
5. Encouraging people to apply for a role at QCS