Custodial Officers graduate from Queensland Corrective Services Academy

The Woodford and Brisbane Correctional Centres are to receive 23 new Custodial Officers following a graduation ceremony today (Friday, April 10) at Wacol’s Queensland Corrective Services Academy. 

The move is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to maintain frontline services in Queensland’s Corrective Services system. 

Corrective Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller has praised the work of Corrective Services officers. 

“The Custodial Officer Entry Program was designed to provide officers with the best preparation possible for the important work they carry out,” Minister Miller said. 

“Much work is being done to continually improve staff safety, build our capability in service delivery and improve outcomes by effectively working with prisoners and offenders to reduce their risk to the community. 

“I am a fierce advocate for the local community and I am passionate about social justice. It is heartening to see the great work that is being carried out by dedicated officers within our Corrective Services system. 

“I want to assure all QCS staff that you have my full support. The intensive training received by these new officers covers cultural awareness, control and restraint, suicide prevention, first aid, firearm, safety and security training, plus thoroughly understanding an important code of conduct. 

“The training includes a two-week practical on-the-job component, to give recruits experience within the correctional environment they will be working in. 

“It is imperative that Corrections Officers who work closely with prisoners in maximum security environments are not only alert, but have excellent personal safety and communication skills to help them react to all situations.” 

Queensland’s new Custodial Officers come from a variety of backgrounds including security, trades, hospitality, government and customer service. 

Twenty-eight new officers from Townsville graduated in north Queensland last month. 

Queensland Corrective Services Deputy Director-General Mark Rallings, at the graduation ceremony today, presented two officers from Wolston Correctional Centre with their Diploma of Correctional Administration. 

For further information on a career with QCS in Custodial Operations or Probation and Parole, visit the employment area of the QCS website at www.correctiveservices.qld.gov.au

Media contact: 

John Gardiner (Minister Miller’s Office): 0408 623 467