The ranks of Queensland’s Custodial Correctional Officers (CCOs) have swelled with the swearing in of 46 new officers, as well as eight dog squad officers and their dogs at the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Academy.
The ceremony, held on Monday 31 May, also acknowledged three recent recipients of the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM) and one recipient of the Public Service Medal (PSM).
Minister for Police and Corrective Services, Mark Ryan acknowledged the commitment of QCS officers to their vital role in public safety.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the hard work of the graduating CCOs, dog squad officers and their dogs and the recipients of the ACM and PSM, and thank them on behalf of Queenslanders for their commitment to make our communities safer,” Mr Ryan said.
“Our QCS officers are professionals that make a remarkable, often unseen, difference to community safety by dealing on a daily basis with some of the most complex members of our community,” he said.
“This rightly deserves recognition.”
Commissioner for QCS, Peter Martin acknowledged the new officers’ commitment to a safer community as they joined the front line of public safety.
“Our officers strive to help transform the lives of those in our care, while performing a vital role to help keep Queensland communities safe,” Mr Martin said.
“The training that QCS officers undertake is extensive and ensures they are ready to take on the many challenges of working within a correctional environment each day.”
