Twenty correctional officers graduate in Rockhampton

It was 10 weeks of hard training but today was a day of celebration as 20 custodial officers graduated in Rockhampton.

It was a day of beaming pride for Rockhampton locals Denzel Mooney and Nina-Nita Jakins, who were two of 20 new custodial correctional officers to graduate in Rockhampton on Monday, June 16.

The Custodial Officer Entry program graduation —attended by family and friends, as well as State MP for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland — was the culmination of 10 weeks of intensive training.

The 20 participants of the Custodial Officer Entry program who graduated in Rockhampton on Monday, June 16, along with their trainers, command officers and State MP Donna Kirkland. Picture by Queensland Corrective Services.

The graduates came from a variety of backgrounds, from sales and mining to legal and hospitality and the cohort was made up of 14 males and six females.

Mr Mooney, who was a support worker in a previous life, said he decided to join the prison service last year and bring his skills with him.

According to Mr Mooney, the training course included communication, team bonding, training on how to handle prisoners and learning what it takes to run a prison.

Asked what he thought was the best part of the training he said it was the one-week placement.

“We went into the jail to see what the job entails,” he said.

As to how he was feeling now that he has graduated, the new correctional officer said he was both proud and excited.

Denzel Mooney was one of the 20 Custodial Officer Entry program graduates who celebrated the completion of their training on Monday, June 16 in Rockhampton. Mr Mooney is pictured with partner Ivory Aminyo.

Ms Jakins, who graduated alongside Mr Mooney, was somewhat familiar with how jails were run, having worked in prison administration at Capricornia Correctional Service before changing roles.

Asked why she wanted to make the switch to being a custodial officer, Ms Jakins said she wanted to challenge herself.

“I’m actually focusing on their (the prisoners) primary needs,” she said.

Rockhampton local Denzel Mooney being formally received into the Queensland Correctional Services ranks by Chief Superintendent Alan Houchin on Monday, June 16.

As for the training, the new custodial officer said she couldn’t complain.

“The trainers were excellent and gave you time and everything,” she said.

Ms Jakins said anyone who wishes to join the service should.

“It’s very rewarding,” she said.

Nina-Nita Jakins had previously worked in the administration sector of the Capricorn Correctional Service facility before making the switch to become a custodial officer.

Queensland Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber congratulated the graduating officers for the dedication they’ve shown during their training program and their commitment to community safety.

“Today’s graduates are taking on a significant responsibility and will soon be on the frontline, working to ensure the security of our prisons and safety in our communities,” Ms Gerber said.

“I commend them for the hard work and dedication demonstrated during their 10-week training program and wish them the very best as they step into their new roles.

All 20 of the graduates will be deployed to Capricornia Correctional Centre to begin working.

Originally published as Twenty correctional officers graduate in Rockhampton