- Officers join the frontline of public safety after undertaking 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program
- Over the last year, 627 new QCS officers have graduated custodial training, including more than 150 for LVCC
Former youth and support workers, small business owners, nurses and hospitality workers are among the 80 new officers successfully completing the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program in the Lockyer Valley.
The new officers will be a 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, they will be deployed to the frontline of public safety at 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 QCS 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.
Quotes attributable to Corrective Services Minister, Nikki Boyd:
“These newly graduated Custodial Correctional Officers for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre are a great credit to the expertise of the Queensland Corrective Services Academy’s team of instructors.
“Over the last year, instructors have collectively clocked up more than 200,000 hours training 627 new frontline officers with a strong focus on community safety and reducing prisoner reoffending.
“These good Queensland jobs are essential to commissioning the new $885 million Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre later this year with innovative, evidence-based correctional services and rehabilitation.
“The Miles Government backs our frontline Custodial Correctional Officers because of the great work they do in helping to keep Queenslanders safe.”
Quotes attributable to Tanya Milligan, Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor:
“Congratulations to all the new correctional officers graduating today. I wish you all the best as you start your career on the front line of public safety.
“The meaningful work you are about to embark on will not only improve public safety and the lives of prisoners, but your decision to work in the Lockyer Valley has far-reaching and tangible benefits for our community.
“The Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre is bringing a jobs bonanza to the region with hundreds of good, secure positions that will boost the local economy, and we look forward to welcoming many more of your colleagues to the region in future.”
Quotes attributable to Acting Deputy Commissioner Adam Black, Organisational Capability, QCS:
“Congratulations to all of our new colleagues graduating as Custodial Correctional Officers today.
“This is the largest group of recruits we’ve had to date for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre as we build the work force needed for 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.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Superintendent Bernie Kruhse, General Manager, Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre:
“Congratulations to the largest group of graduates we’ve had to date for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre.
“We are incredibly proud of them all 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.
“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.”
