Wacol welcomed six new four-legged recruits to Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Harvey, Shadow, Shaq, Jet, Forest and Derek graduated alongside 70 new Custodial Corrections Officers, bolstering the frontline of community safety.
The ceremony took place in June 2024, marking the end of a 12-week intensive training program for the canine graduates and a 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program for their human counterparts.
New Paws on Patrol
The six graduating dogs, trained in General-Purpose and Passive Alert Drug Detection, will soon be deployed to various correctional facilities across Queensland. David Hurikino, Acting Dog Squad State Manager for QCS, highlighted the importance of these new additions:
“It is a privilege to welcome the new handlers and dogs to the QCS Dog Squad knowing they will be a vital asset to their correctional centres,” Hurikino said. “The bond between a corrective services dog and their handler is a deep one, built over countless hours of training, working, and living together.”
Human Recruits Join the Ranks
Alongside their canine colleagues, 70 new Custodial Corrections Officers graduated after completing their training. These officers from diverse backgrounds including mining, hospitality, and real estate have been trained in conflict management, tactical skills, and prisoner rehabilitation.
Jess Pugh, Member for Mount Ommaney, emphasised the significance of these roles: “These are good, rewarding Queensland jobs on the frontline of community safety delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services and rehabilitation to reduce reoffending.”
Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd noted the government’s commitment to strengthening the correctional system, noting the more than $1.8 billion investment in Corrective Services from the State. Boyd also highlighted that over 700 new QCS officers have been trained in the past year.
“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we thank them all for their commitment to protecting the safety of Queensland communities,” QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said.
The Queensland Corrective Services continues to offer career opportunities for those interested in joining the frontline of community safety. Eligible candidates may even receive relocation assistance for certain postings, demonstrating the ongoing effort to staff correctional facilities across the state.
Published 25-July-2024