ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) welcomed 20 new custodial officers in a ceremony at the Alexander Maconochie Centre today.
Minister for Corrections Mick Gentleman congratulated the new officers on completing their 10-week training course and welcomed them to ACTCS.
“ACTCS is an integral part of the criminal justice system and staff do an important and challenging job,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The 20 recruits graduating today will join the dedicated ACTCS team who strive to keep our community safe.
“I’m also pleased to share that ten of the 20 new recruits are female officers, while others are from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Mr Gentleman said the implementation of recommendations in the Blueprint for Change report gives ACTCS the framework to continue to provide a safe, encouraging and inclusive workplace for all.
“I anticipate that the addition of the new cohort of recruits will only add to those commitments. I look forward to seeing the work they all do in the future,” said Minister Gentleman.
ACTCS Commissioner Ray Johnson welcomed the new officers.
“These graduates join their colleagues in helping to transform the lives of those in our care, while performing a vital role helping to keep the community safe,” Mr Johnson said.
“During the past 13 weeks, the recruits undertook training to prepare them for the challenges of working within a correctional environment each day.
“These 20 graduates were selected from more than 260 applicants and underwent a stringent selection process. They should all feel incredibly proud of how far they have come,” he said.
During the next 12 months, the recruits will continue their training to complete national accredited Correctional Services qualifications.
