Commissioner for Queensland Corrective Services (QCS), Paul Stewart has congratulated 45 new Custodial Correctional Officers (CCOs), who were sworn into their roles at a Brisbane ceremony (15 September).
“QCS Custodial Corrections Officers are the best trained and equipped in Australia and these graduates stand ready to take on the many challenges of working in Queensland prisons,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“These officers perform a vital, often unseen role in the criminal justice system, transforming the lives of those in their care and custody on a daily basis, helping to prevent further offending.”
In addition to the officers, 15 new CCOs were sworn in at a ceremony in Mareeba (17 September), attended by Deputy Commissioner for QCS, James Koulouris.
Deputy Commissioner Koulouris said these officers would be stationed at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, near Mareeba in the Atherton tablelands, a short drive from Cairns.
He said Lotus Glen currently had a recruitment campaign under way to fill more than 60 vacant positions.
Deputy Commissioner Koulouris said the Mareeba ceremony also marked the end of an era at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, with Passive Alert Detection Dog, Sarah (pictured) to retire in coming weeks.
He said the 11-year-old Springer Spaniel was one of the oldest and longest-serving Corrections Dogs in Queensland and for nine years had played a crucial role in detecting contraband, making Lotus Glen safer for officers, prisoners and visitors.
Deputy Commissioner Koulouris said Sarah was being retired into her handler’s family.