The Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) continues to attract high-quality recruits to its ranks, with four qualified Correctional Officers from interstate joining the TPS and a cohort of 42 Tasmanians selected to undertake the latest recruit training.
A group of 24 recruits yesterday commenced an intensive 10-week training course and will be ready to commence work by the end of the year.
A further 18 recruits will commence their training course before the end of the year. The courses have been split due to COVID-19 safety requirements.
The interstate recruits have completed a specifically designed bridging course and have already commenced work with the TPS.
Applicants have undergone a rigorous five-stage selection process including written assessments, psychological profiling and health assessments.
This latest round of recruitment comes after 40 new Correctional Officers graduated in April and will bring the total number of new Correctional Officers employed since May 2016 to more than 200.
Correctional Officers play an important role in contributing to a safer community by maintaining safe and secure custody, and contribute to rehabilitation outcomes for inmates. Officer recruitment processes are ongoing, with preparation now underway to advertise for the next round.
This major prison staffing increase demonstrates our Government’s strong commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for staff and prisoners.
Our Government is delivering on its plan to improve Tasmania’s correctional system, also investing $350 million to upgrade existing facilities and meet future prison capacity needs.