- 16 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCOs) have graduated from an intensive, 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program.
- The new CCOs join the frontline at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre with a focus on evidence-led rehabilitation.
- Retirees also honoured with the Commissioner's Medallion for Retiring Officers.
The Miles Government is doing what matters to grow the public safety frontline with 16 new officer recruits launching corrections careers at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre on the Atherton Tablelands.
After 10 weeks of intensive Queensland Corrective Services training, the 16 new CCOs were recognised for their commitment to the safety of Queenslanders at a Far North Queensland graduation parade.
Two officers with more than 65 years of experience between them were awarded the Commissioner's Medallion for Retiring Officers, including dog squad handler Terry, who also received the Emergency Response Medal with COVID-19 Clasp for frontline pandemic service.
A third Commissioner's Medallion was presented posthumously to the family of a former QCS employee.
CCOs graduating to the frontline at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre include a former chef and a banana farm manager.
It's estimated more than 850 CCOs will have graduated from the QCS Academy between July and December this year.
As stated by Member for Cook Cynthia Lui:
"I want to thank Far North Queensland's newest correctional officers for strengthening our frontline and for their commitment to keeping the community safe.
"Our new recruits are a credit to the expertise and dedication of the Corrective Services Academy's trainers.
"And will be an exceptional asset to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre's laser-like focus on innovative and evidence-based rehabilitation."
As stated by Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd:
"Congratulations to Queensland's new Correctional Officers.
"This is another example of the Miles Government doing what matters for Queenslanders by growing skilled frontline jobs to reduce prisoner reoffending.
"Between July and December this year, we will have seen more than 850 exceptional recruits commit to frontline careers with QCS.
"What's needed is the right people with the right training to keep correctional centres running smoothly, because safe Queenslanders are a Miles Government priority.
"The LNP will slash critical frontline corrections jobs and make life more difficult for the corrections teams left behind, just like they did when last in government."
As stated by Nicole Duke ACM, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Community Corrections and Specialist Operations Project Delivery, QCS:
"Thank you to all our trainers for supporting and equipping our new graduates with the knowledge and skills they need in the frontline public safety to perform their roles safely and effectively.
"Every interaction our officers 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."
As stated by Chief Superintendent Gabrielle Payne ACM, General Manager, Lotus Glen Correctional Centre:
"Our officers are our greatest asset, and we strive to ensure they are supported as they carry out their often-unseen duties.
"We welcome 16 new correctional officers to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, as we also recognise the long-standing service and commitment of some of our most experienced officers with the Commissioner's Medallion for Retiring Officers and the Emergency Response Medal with COVID-19 Clasp.
"Correctional officers make public safety the priority every day, striving to ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime."
Graduation images are here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jr5x7pcgannpg4fhv2uz6/AFkI3OJRWlH_yEWEv5PiRDw?rlkey=evx8e14tsh91mtt491pbo7oi4&st=uwjzcyuq&dl=0
