What’s happening?
Queensland Corrective Services welcomed 15 new Custodial Correctional Officers to the frontline of public safety in Rockhampton after a graduation ceremony on Monday, 1 September.
All 15 officers completed the 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program, which included on-the-job training. They are now ready to begin their careers at Capricornia Correctional Centre, playing their part in protecting community safety.
Why it matters
The Custodial Officer Entry program provided the graduates with fundamental skills in conflict management, tactical response, and Queensland Corrective Services policies and legislation. These skills are vital for the safe and secure management of correctional facilities and for addressing prisoner reform.
Local impact
The new officers will support Capricornia Correctional Centre in managing offenders safely, helping to stop the cycle of reoffending. Their roles will contribute to community safety in Central Queensland and beyond.
By the numbers
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15 new officers graduated from the Custodial Officer Entry program in Rockhampton.
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10 weeks of training delivered conflict management, tactical skills, and policy knowledge.
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Ongoing professional development will ensure officers progress their careers and continue to strengthen community safety.
Zoom in
Representing the Minister for Corrective Services, Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton congratulated the graduates.
“Today’s graduates are taking on a significant responsibility and will soon be on the frontline, working to ensure the security of our prisons and safety in our communities,” Mr Hutton said.
“I commend them for the hard work and dedication demonstrated during their 10-week training program and wish them the very best as they step into their new roles.
“You play an integral role in keeping Queenslanders safe, and I thank you for the commitment you have shown to improving community safety.”
QCS Central and Northern Region Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart McHaffie ACM also welcomed the officers.
“We are honoured to welcome our 15 newest Custodial Correctional Officers to Capricornia Correctional Centre and thank them for their dedication to making Queensland safer,” he said.
“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we strive to ensure they are supported as they carry out their often-unseen duties.
“Every interaction our officers have is an opportunity to address offending behaviour and to improve the vocational and life skills of prisoners, assisting in their rehabilitation and safe reintegration back into the community.”
Zoom out
Queensland Corrective Services is actively recruiting for public safety focused roles including trade instructors, dog squad officers, psychologists, counsellors, cultural liaison officers, and administration staff. Becoming a Custodial Correctional Officer is the entry point for a career with Queensland Corrective Services, with a wide range of roles available.
Custodial officers also receive excellent employment conditions such as a competitive salary, superannuation, employment security, salary packaging, and access to health and wellbeing programs.
What to look for next?
The 15 graduates will now begin their careers at Capricornia Correctional Centre, where they will contribute to prisoner reform, rehabilitation, and the ongoing safety of Queensland communities.
