Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) has announced that two Fiji Corrections Service officers and their dogs have graduated from the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Passive Alert Drug Detection (PADD) Dog Program.
Acting Commissioner at QCS, James Koulouris congratulated the handlers and their dogs, Trooper, a Springer Spaniel, and Richie, a Labrador, on completing the rigorous course and wished them well on their return to Fiji.
“The QCS’ PADD Program is highly regarded and has been adopted by authorities in South Australia and the Northern Territory,” Acting Commissioner Koulouris said.
“I’m pleased that we are able to work with our colleagues from Fiji Corrections Service to train these dogs for service, where they will be used to ensure the safe and secure containment of people in their care.”
Deputy Commissioner of Corrections at the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), Apimelekei Taukei and Assistant Commissioner, Operations at FCS, Tuiwailevu Saladoka congratulated the graduates.
The ceremony at the QCS Academy also welcomed 16 new Custodial Correctional Officers, 21 Community Corrections Officers, four General Purpose Dog Squad Officers and their Correctional Service Dogs and the graduation of two PADD Officers and their Correctional Service Dogs for deployment in Queensland.
Acting Commissioner Koulouris said the officers managed some of the most dangerous people in society in an often unrecognised field.
“The role of a QCS officer is a vital one, and I thank all officers for their hard work,” he said.
