Job Description
Specialist training, further developing your knowledge & expertise
Ongoing training and development
Annual Allowance of $1500 pa (once training & designation in place)
'Kotahi ano te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' - `There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people.'
Mo te tunga | About the role
When there is a serious threat to prison security, Advanced Control and Restraint (ACR) are deployed, allowing a greater level of response and assurance. An ACR Unit is made up of Corrections staff who receive specialist training to equip them when activated as part of a solution in response to a serious incident and/or security concern.
ACR's role is to provide an organised, timely and appropriate response to an incident in what is often a challenging, high pressure and complex situation. As part of a team, you will work with and alongside ACR Members/Section Leaders/Unit Commanders and other key specialists (e.g. PNT) along with prison staff to ensure the safety of all involved to bring the situation to a resolution.
All ACR Members are required to:
Maintain their personal kit and ensure this is always deployment ready.
Ensure the team kit is well maintained and deployment ready.
Follow instructions and tasks set by your Section Leader.
Be up to date with all ACR Deployment Protocols as well as Tactical Options and Use of Force Guidelines.
Provide a proportionate, reasonable, and lawful level of response.
Maintain a reasonable level of fitness.
Members can be activated at any time including during the night so you will need to commit to being available 24/7 when required.
Mou | About you
To apply, it is essential you are a trained Corrections Officer who is current in control and restraint, first aid, pepper spray and tactical options. In addition, you will need to have been a CO for a minimum of 12 months post CODP or be able to demonstrate previous prior relevant experience e.g. Police, Military etc.
In addition, you will demonstrate the following skills and competencies to be considered:
High levels of resilience, adapting to changing circumstances on the fly with ease.
Professional team player with the ability to act independently when required.
Well-developed situational and safety awareness, for yourself and those around you.
Physically fit and healthy with a minimum PRA score of 6, whilst in ACR PPE.
Strong hand dexterity with free range of body movement.
Sound decision making skills even in high pressure or stressful scenarios.
A calm, mature and level-headed approach even when faced with uncertainty.
Strong communication skills along with the capability to defuse high conflict situations.
Able to wear restrictive protective clothing and equipment safely.
Be able to follow instructions and know the importance of command.
Able to contribute to plans, then follow the final plan in a disciplined way under command.
If successful, you will attend an initial 5 day training programme held at the National Tactical Training Facility and after this you are required to attend revalidation training as well as site based days annually to maintain your qualification. This specialist training will further enhance your existing training and provide you with specific skills in the event of a situation.
Part of the selection process will include you demonstrating your technical know-how in relation to Use of Force and tactical options, please click on these links to assist with your preparation:
Tactical Options Manual
ACR Manual
Nga painga | The benefits
A Special Custodial Allowance is available as per the Frontline Prison Based Collective Agreements of $1500.00 per annum once qualified and officially designated. Additional standby allowances and meal allowances are also available when on standby and/or deployed. Please refer to the CANZ and PSA prison based Collective Agreements on Tatou for further information.
Mo matou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.
We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono inaianei | Apply Now
To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.
When applying, please submit a tailored CV that clearly outlines your experience as well as a cover letter that is competency based highlighting your suitability as a Unit Commander for ACR including your alignment to our values.
Applications close on: Sunday, 26th April 2026
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [email protected], or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.
Ongoing training and development
Annual Allowance of $1500 pa (once training & designation in place)
'Kotahi ano te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' - `There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people.'
Mo te tunga | About the role
When there is a serious threat to prison security, Advanced Control and Restraint (ACR) are deployed, allowing a greater level of response and assurance. An ACR Unit is made up of Corrections staff who receive specialist training to equip them when activated as part of a solution in response to a serious incident and/or security concern.
ACR's role is to provide an organised, timely and appropriate response to an incident in what is often a challenging, high pressure and complex situation. As part of a team, you will work with and alongside ACR Members/Section Leaders/Unit Commanders and other key specialists (e.g. PNT) along with prison staff to ensure the safety of all involved to bring the situation to a resolution.
All ACR Members are required to:
Maintain their personal kit and ensure this is always deployment ready.
Ensure the team kit is well maintained and deployment ready.
Follow instructions and tasks set by your Section Leader.
Be up to date with all ACR Deployment Protocols as well as Tactical Options and Use of Force Guidelines.
Provide a proportionate, reasonable, and lawful level of response.
Maintain a reasonable level of fitness.
Members can be activated at any time including during the night so you will need to commit to being available 24/7 when required.
Mou | About you
To apply, it is essential you are a trained Corrections Officer who is current in control and restraint, first aid, pepper spray and tactical options. In addition, you will need to have been a CO for a minimum of 12 months post CODP or be able to demonstrate previous prior relevant experience e.g. Police, Military etc.
In addition, you will demonstrate the following skills and competencies to be considered:
High levels of resilience, adapting to changing circumstances on the fly with ease.
Professional team player with the ability to act independently when required.
Well-developed situational and safety awareness, for yourself and those around you.
Physically fit and healthy with a minimum PRA score of 6, whilst in ACR PPE.
Strong hand dexterity with free range of body movement.
Sound decision making skills even in high pressure or stressful scenarios.
A calm, mature and level-headed approach even when faced with uncertainty.
Strong communication skills along with the capability to defuse high conflict situations.
Able to wear restrictive protective clothing and equipment safely.
Be able to follow instructions and know the importance of command.
Able to contribute to plans, then follow the final plan in a disciplined way under command.
If successful, you will attend an initial 5 day training programme held at the National Tactical Training Facility and after this you are required to attend revalidation training as well as site based days annually to maintain your qualification. This specialist training will further enhance your existing training and provide you with specific skills in the event of a situation.
Part of the selection process will include you demonstrating your technical know-how in relation to Use of Force and tactical options, please click on these links to assist with your preparation:
Tactical Options Manual
ACR Manual
Nga painga | The benefits
A Special Custodial Allowance is available as per the Frontline Prison Based Collective Agreements of $1500.00 per annum once qualified and officially designated. Additional standby allowances and meal allowances are also available when on standby and/or deployed. Please refer to the CANZ and PSA prison based Collective Agreements on Tatou for further information.
Mo matou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.
We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono inaianei | Apply Now
To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.
When applying, please submit a tailored CV that clearly outlines your experience as well as a cover letter that is competency based highlighting your suitability as a Unit Commander for ACR including your alignment to our values.
Applications close on: Sunday, 26th April 2026
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [email protected], or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The ACR Team Members - Invercargill Prison position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Springhills offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
