Six new General-Purpose dogs and their handlers have graduated to the ranks of the elite Queensland Corrective Services' Delta Unit.
QCS Acting Assistant Commissioner Eloise Hamlett said the dog squad teams join the front line of public safety following a rigorous course which included intensive operational deployment training at the Wacol prison precinct.
"The Queensland Corrective Services' dog squad is highly-skilled, ranks among the best in the world and is an integral part of keeping our correctional centres safe and secure," A/g AC Hamlett said.
"These general duties dogs will be deployed to de-escalate emergency situations and provide the highest security and response capability in our prisons.
"To earn their accreditation, the graduates have successfully completed three months of exhaustive training to ensure they are prepared for the challenges on the job.
"The dog squad training course is second-to-none and covers core practical competencies in obedience, agility, searching and bite work, as well as theory such as legislation, first aid, tracking and principles of dog training."
The graduating dogs and their handlers will be posted to a number of correctional centres including:
- CS Dog Sonic and handler Bradley to Arthur Gorrie
- CS Dog Coyote and handler Lachlan to Borallon
- CS Dog Zuko and handler Morgan to Capricornia
- CS Dog Rollo and handler Ryan to Capricornia
- CS Dog Wolf and handler Steve to Maryborough
- and CS Dog Kouta and handler Alan to Wolston
QCS Dog Squad Acting State Manager Shannon Morris welcomed the graduating Dog Squad teams to the Delta Unit which has had a long and proud history since 1977.
"The intensive operational deployment training exercise, at the end of the course, builds team spirit among the handlers and their dogs," Mr Morris said.
"It's good to bring the handlers together to watch how they perform with their dogs in a controlled environment before deploying out to the centres. Training simulations are designed to add complexity and problem-solving opportunities for both handler and dog. This training feeds into that enthusiasm and that drive.
"For me personally, I have an interest in training the teams – trying to solve any problems the animal might have and supporting our handlers to ensure they are prepared for any challenge."
Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting to fill positions across the State.
