- 37 new custodial officers join the frontline of public safety after undertaking a 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program
- Officer training held in Toowoomba for the first time for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre
Thirty-seven new Custodial Correctional Officers have graduated into the frontline of public safety this week, with many of the recruits from the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region.
After successfully completing the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program, held in Toowoomba for the first time, the new officers 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 officers will be deployed to centres throughout South East Queensland to further develop their skills.
Led by experienced instructors from the Queensland Corrective Services 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 Queensland Corrective Services leaders and colleagues and Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan 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.
As stated by Corrective Services Minister, Nikki Boyd:
"Congratulations to Queensland's newest Correctional Officers.
"Our graduates are a great credit to the expertise of instructors at the Queensland Corrective Services Academy.
"These skilled officers will be an important asset to the Locker Valley Correctional Centre and its laser-like focus on innovative and evidence-based rehabilitation.
"We need good people with the right training to keep correctional centres running smoothly, because the safety of Queenslanders is a Miles Government priority.
"The LNP slashed critical frontline corrections jobs when last in government and made life more difficult for corrections officers."
As stated by Tanya Milligan, Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor:
"I extend my congratulations to everyone who is graduating today and thank you for taking up this important community safety and support role.
"I have always said the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre will result in local jobs and supply opportunities for local businesses and it's great to see this come to fruition.
"When the time comes for you to be based in our region, know that we welcome you with open arms and look forward to you experiencing the delights of our beautiful region."
As stated by Deputy Commissioner Adam Black, Organisational Capability, QCS:
"Congratulations and welcome to all our new colleagues graduating as Custodial Correctional Officers today.
"This is the first time we've held the Custodial Officer Entry Program training in Toowoomba and we are delighted to welcome our new officers who come from a variety of different backgrounds and are all eager to contribute their previous work skills and life experience into a career in public safety.
"After gaining frontline experience at centres throughout Southeast Queensland, they will become part of the workforce 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."
As stated by 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 custodial correctional officer.
"In addition to custodial correctional officers, we are actively recruiting for a range of roles including 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."
Graduation pictures: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/lkw18oke9l9zxybiqtm1u/AAsCMSDTa7q_AjX-USmoBAw?rlkey=86dfq1e9bjrk8kqv1x27ytsk7&st=9mpktof6&dl=0
