Deployment of Custodial Correctional Officers to support safety and security in the North
A contingent of Custodial Correctional Officers have begun arriving in Townsville to assist with operations at Townsville Correctional Complex following the severe weather event that has lashed the region.
Queensland Corrective Services can confirm 10 officers arrived on Monday with 10 more available to be deployed to support officers at the centre pending further assessment of operational need in coming days.
It comes after officers at the Correctional Complex have been directly affected by flooding, evacuation notices and road closures at their own properties.
QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said the reinforcements would continue to ensure public safety and allow officers who have been working long hours at the centre to take much-deserved rest.
"Queensland Corrective Services is well prepared for weather events of this type and is deploying extra resources to ensure staffing levels adequately support the safety and security of Townsville Correctional Complex," Commissioner Stewart said.
"QCS is a top-tier public service agency that operates 24/7 and we must work to ensure that centres remain at operational capacity, even through challenging and uncertain times.
"We sincerely thank our officers across the state for their response to this emergency and our thoughts are with everyone in North Queensland who is facing difficult times during this unprecedented weather event."
Townsville Correctional Complex has been operating under lockdown since Saturday to ensure the safety of both officers and prisoners with some officers remaining at the centre as they were unable to return home.
Visits to the centre have been cancelled, and the visits phone line is not operational at this stage.
Townsville Correctional Complex General Manager, Chief Superintendent Lousie Kneeshaw thanked her officers for their tireless efforts and ability to adapt to challenging times.
"The leadership and commitment of TCC officers during this extreme weather event has been nothing short of outstanding," she said.
"We have had officers who have worked multiple shifts to backfill those who were unable to report for duty, including some who were unable to return to their homes due to the flooding.
"Showing the true resilience and spirit of North Queenslanders, our officers have stepped up to the plate and have responded to anything asked of them, supporting management and ensuring the safety of the centre through difficult times.
"We are absolutely grateful for their contribution to the community in times of need and warmly welcome the deployment of officers from South East Queensland to assist us with operations at TCC."
Townsville Community Corrections is open to assist in co-ordinating reporting requirements for those under supervision, with a number of reporting centres, including Palm Island remaining closed due to the ongoing impact of the wet weather.
Supervision of offenders in the community is continuing, and anyone with a scheduled appointment this week at a community corrections office in areas affected by flooding should call before attending the office.
