New correctional officers for prison rehabilitation across Queensland

Corrective Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller has praised the state’s newest Custodial Correctional Officers (CCOs) following a graduation ceremony at the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Academy in Wacol today.

Minister Miller said she was inspired after hearing from the 27 new CCOs about their desire for a career in public service and to help rehabilitate people in custody.

“The first priority of CCOs is to help keep the community safe and they do that by playing a huge role in the rehabilitation of prisoners,” Minister Miller said.

“CCOs come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds. Among today’s graduates is a gas engineer, a former ACT corrections officer, and a production assistant.”

Minister Miller said the trend suggests that these graduates will be with QCS for the long haul, with most correctional officers spending at least 15 years with the department.

“That CCOs see QCS as a sustainable career path with room for professional growth speaks volumes about the quality of the program,” Minister Miller said.

“These graduates have spent 364 hours of intensive training, including two weeks experience inside a correctional facility to prepare for the role.

“All custodial officers are asked to demonstrate honesty, integrity and professionalism, and they must be dependable and reliable. The custodial officer entry program tests and encourages this. That gives me great confidence as the Corrective Services Minister,” Minister Miller said.

“I have no doubt these attributes coupled with the skills acquired by custodial officers when working alongside their peers has contributed to the fact there has not been an escape from a high security correctional centre in Queensland for 17 years.”

Today’s graduates will be posted to Maryborough, Woodford and Brisbane Women’s and Wolston Correctional Centres as well as the Courts Escort and Security Branch.

Notes about today’s graduates:

Nicole Handley was previously working full time in hospitality at Jupiters Casino and also volunteered with disabled persons and people suffering mental health issues. She would eventually like to work in the mental health field within corrections. She was attracted to the custodial role as she would like to give back to the community.

Luke Strehl was previously a personal trainer and tradesman. Luke is appointed to the courts at Escort and Security Branch but would eventually like to work at a Correctional Centre and also be part of the Emergency Response Group. He was attracted to the custodial role as Luke would find it fulfilling and he would be able to contribute to the safety of the community.

[ENDS] June 25 2015

Media contact: Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185