Queensland Corrective Services welcomed 37 new officers and celebrated five officers with more than 180 years of experience between them at a ceremony at Wacol today.
The 37 new custodial correctional officers were sworn into their vital roles on the front line of public safety at a ceremony at the Queensland Corrective Services Academy.
Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Paul Stewart APM was present at the ceremony to congratulate and thank the new officers for their commitment to keeping the community safe.
"Queensland Corrective Services custodial correctional officers perform a vital and often unseen role, working to protect the safety of all Queenslanders, and I welcome our newest officers," Commissioner Stewart said.
The new officers will be posted at two correctional centres in south east Queensland, including:
- 35 officers to Woodford Correctional Centre; and
- two officers to Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre.
Five of the State's most experienced officers were also recognised, with three receiving 40-year Long Service and Good Conduct Medals, and two receiving 30-year medals.
Commissioner Stewart commended the long-serving officers from Woodford and Brisbane correctional centres on their life-long commitment to their role.
"QCS officers deal with the most challenging and complex people in Queensland society every time they put on their uniform.
"To perform that role for decades requires remarkable personal resilience and an absolute commitment to public safety," Commissioner Stewart said.
"It is hard to fathom just how many lives these officers have turned around, how many crimes they prevented from occurring, and how many families have a brighter future thanks to their ongoing commitment to the rehabilitation of prisoners and the safety and security of our centres.
"Just as importantly, officers with this level of lived experience provide our newer officers with a steady hand and a wise ear to guide them through the dynamic environments that are our prisons, helping to keep them safe, and I thank them for their commitment to public safety," Commissioner Stewart said.
