Assistant Watchhouse Officers play a vital role in ensuring the effective operation of the Watchhouse and the secure movement of prisoners. Their responsibilities include:

Supervision, Management, and Monitoring of Prisoners:
Searches of Prisoners and Property
Prisoners Escorts
Court Orderly Duties
Administrative Tasks

To excel as an Assistant Watchhouse Officer, candidates should possess key attributes such as compassion, understanding, respect, patience, and resilience. Strong interpersonal skills, including well-developed verbal, non-verbal, and written communication abilities, are essential to achieving operational objectives. Attention to detail is crucial for effective prisoner management and supervision, enabling officers to defuse volatile situations and detect hidden contraband. Successful candidates will complete a course in Brisbane, which includes theoretical instruction on legislation, policies, and procedures, as well as practical training in operational skills. Recent Assistant Watchhouse Officers will be mentored and undergo a workplace assessment as Trainee Assistant Watchhouse Officers. Continuous training and annual updates on operational skills and tactics will also be provided.

Your key accountabilities

The core capability requirements for this role are:
Perform Watchhouse functions relevant to the administration,



supervision and monitoring of persons in custody and visitors to the Watchhouse.
Prepare and maintain prisoner files and records.
Operate and monitor electronic surveillance and movement control systems in accordance with established procedures.
Maintain Watchhouse records in line with Queensland Police Service (QPS) policy and procedure.
Assist in the processing of persons received into custody in line with QPS policy and procedures.
Supervise and provide for the welfare, comfort and security of prisoners.
Prepare and maintain records of prisoner's health requirements; monitor the medical needs of prisoners and arrange an appropriate level of medical assistance as required.
Assist senior staff with issues impacting on the overall operational management of the Watchhouse.

Role Requirements

Mandatory

Possession of an Open C Class Drivers Licence.

Other

This position requires wearing an Assistant Watchhouse Officer uniform and adherence to the QPS Code of Dress and Appearance. This position requires working a shift work rotational roster, i.e. 24-hour, 7 day roster.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/706190/26

Closing Date: Wednesday, 18th November 2026This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.

📌 Assistant Watchhouse Officer (Cairns)
🏢 Queensland Government
📍 Cairns