- Lockyer Valley's first Corrective Services dogs graduate to the frontline
- New paws join 97 new Custodial Correctional Officers to the frontline of public safety
- QCS actively recruiting for a variety of roles
Queensland's newest high-security men's correctional centre marked a historic milestone today with the graduation of its first Corrective Services dogs (CSD).
Butch, Riot, Boss, and Donnie, along with their handlers, joined 97 new Custodial Correctional Officers (CCOs) in the largest graduation ceremony for QCS, held in Laidley.
The new CCOs successfully completed the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program, while the CCODHs (Custodial Correctional Officer Dog Handlers) finished the 12-week General-Purpose corrections dog training course. They are now ready to be a part of the 800-strong workforce at Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre (LVCC).
Until LVCC is fully operational, these officers and canine partners will be deployed to various centres throughout South East Queensland to further hone their skills on the frontline of public safety.
The comprehensive training, led by experienced instructors from QCS Academy and the Dog Squad covered conflict management, tactical skills, and an in-depth understanding of QCS policies and legislation to aid in prisoner rehabilitation as well as obedience training, agility and intensive operational deployment training.
The ceremony was attended by proud friends and family, Queensland Corrective Services leaders, colleagues, and the Lockyer Valley Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Chris Wilson.
Queensland Corrective Services continues to actively recruit in the Lockyer Valley, offering public safety and administration roles and professional careers for people with qualifications in occupational therapy, social work, psychology, counselling, human services, criminology, social science and education.
Quotes attributable to Cr Chris Wilson, Lockyer Valley Regional Council Depuy Mayor:
"Congratulations to the new correctional officers graduating today. This is a significant milestone for both you and our community.
"Your dedication to public safety is commendable, given your roles are vital in creating a safer environment for everyone.
"Your roles as correctional officers mean you are at the forefront of creating a safer environment, not only for the prisoners but for the entire community. The skills and compassion you bring to your work can have a lasting impact on many lives.
"This project is a testament to the positive ripple effects that such developments can have on our region. The economic benefits of the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre are substantial, providing secure jobs and boosting our local economy.
"We look forward to the positive changes your hard work will bring and thank you for your commitment to making our community better."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commissioner Adam Black, Organisational Capability, QCS
"This is a major achievement as it marks our first Dog Squad graduation for QCS' newest correctional centre. We are thrilled to welcome our new officers and their canine partners, who bring diverse backgrounds and are eager to apply their skills and experiences to public safety.
"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. Our officers, handlers and their dogs are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to perform their roles safely and effectively.
Quotes attributable to David Hurikino, Statewide Dog Squad Development and Standards Manager, QCS Academy:
"It is a privilege to welcome the new handlers and dogs to the QCS Dog Squad knowing they will be a vital asset to LVCC.
"The three months of rigorous, specialised training culminates with the "Tactical Dog Team", operational deployment training phase of the course. It has been designed to equip handlers with the skills necessary to resolve security incidents.
"The connection between a corrective services dog and its handler is profound, built through extensive training, working, and living side by side. Together, they play a vital role in keeping our centres safe and secure."
