- Eleven Custodial Correctional Officers join the frontline of public safety in Townsville
- Four officers awarded coveted ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Medal and three officers received Long Service and Good Conduct medals
- Officers equipped with highest level of training
Queensland Corrective Services inducted 11 more Custodial Correctional Officers (CCO) to the frontline of public safety today (Wednesday 13 December) working to reduce reoffending to keep Townsville safe.
Joined by family and friends, the new officers were recognised for their achievement after completing a paid 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program.
The graduates will be posted to Townsville Correctional Complex in coming days.
Seven experienced correctional officers were also recognised at the ceremony. The coveted ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Medal was awarded to four officers for their diligent front line public safety service, and three officers received Long Service and Good Conduct medals.
QCS is actively recruiting with many career paths on offer at the top tier public safety agency, including CCOs, trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, counsellors, cultural liaison officers and administrative roles, all of which play a vital role in managing and rehabilitating prisoners to keep communities safe.
Representing the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mr Les Walker MP, Member for Mundingburra attended the ceremony to congratulate the new graduates.
Quotes attributable to Les Walker MP, Member for Mundingburra:
“Congratulations to all of the new officers graduating into public service in Townsville, upholding public safety and ensuring prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.
“I also want to thank the experienced officers receiving recognition for their hard work and diligence.
“Queensland Corrective Services is an essential part of our criminal justice system, delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services, which contribute to a safer Queensland.
“From my previous career as a prison officer I know the amazing work QCS officers do every day to keep our community safe.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw, General Manager, Townsville Correctional Complex:
“Congratulations and welcome to all our correctional officers today for their commitment and service to frontline public safety.
“Today’s graduates come from different walks of life with different life experiences, and are equipped with the highest level of training, skills and support to enable them to perform their roles safely and effectively.
“Every interaction new and experienced QCS 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.”
