- 16 Custodial Correctional Officers join the public safety frontline in Far North Queensland after completing intensive, 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program
- Three Commissioner's Medallion for Retiring Officers presented in honour of commitment to corrections and community safety
A former truck driver, chef and banana farm manager are among 16 new officers to successfully complete the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program in Far North Queensland.
The new Custodial Officers are starting new careers on the frontline of public safety at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre following a graduation ceremony on Friday, 20 September with family and friends.
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.
At the ceremony, three Commissioner's Medallion for Retiring Officers were presented to honour the officers' service and commitment to community safety, including one posthumously accepted by a family member.
One of the retiring officers - Dog Squad Handler, Terry - was also presented with the Emergency Response Medal with COVID-19 Clasp for his frontline service during the pandemic.
Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting for good, public safety focused jobs and careers including trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, counsellors, cultural liaison officers and administration.
Quotes attributable to 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 expert training and dedication of the Corrective Services Academy's trainers.
"They will be an exceptional asset to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre's laser-like focus on innovative and evidence-based rehabilitation."
Quotes attributable to Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd:
"Congratulations to Queensland's new Correctional Officers.
"This is another example of 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 keeping Queenslanders safe is a priority."
Quotes attributable to 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."
Quotes attributable to 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.
"Today 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."
