The First Three Steps: Why Movement Matters for Prison Officers in Australia
- Brian AJ Newman, LLB
- May 3
- 4 min read
Recently, we came across an insightful article published by Calibre Press discussing a concept that is often overlooked in law enforcement training — the importance of the first three steps in a foot pursuit.
While the article focuses on policing environments, the underlying principles are highly relevant to Queensland prison officers and corrective services staff.
At QPOA and MYUNION, we believe it is important to take lessons like this and apply them to the realities of custodial environments — where movement, reaction, and physical readiness can be just as critical, even if the context is different.
It’s Not Just About Running — It’s About Reaction
The Calibre Press article makes a compelling point:
The outcome of a pursuit is often decided in the first few steps, not after sustained effort.
In corrective services, officers may not be chasing suspects down the street — but they are regularly required to:
Respond rapidly to incidents
Move quickly in confined or unpredictable environments
Close distance in volatile situations
React under pressure with limited time to think
Whether it’s a prisoner attempting to flee within a secure area, an escalation on a unit, or an emergency response, the principle is the same:
Movement is not just physical — it is tactical.
The Reality in Correctional Environments
Unlike traditional policing, corrective services officers operate in:
Confined spaces
High-risk, close-contact environments
Situations where reaction time is minimal
Conditions where gear, fatigue, and stress impact performance
The Calibre Press article highlights that officers rarely train sprinting or explosive movement as a skill.
This observation translates directly to custodial settings.
Most training focuses on:
Control and restraint
Communication
Use of force frameworks
But less attention is given to:
Explosive movement
Reaction under load
Positioning in the first seconds of an incident
Yet those first moments often determine:
Whether control is gained
Whether risk escalates
Whether injury occurs
Movement Under Load — A Hidden Risk
Another key takeaway from the article is that officers perform very differently when carrying equipment.
In correctional environments, this is a constant:
Radios
Utility belts
Protective equipment
Fatigue from long shifts
All of these factors reduce:
Acceleration
Balance
Reaction time
This creates a mismatch between:
What officers believe they can do
What they can actually do in a real incident
Why This Matters for Workplace Injuries
This is where the issue moves beyond training — and into workplace health and safety.
When movement is:
Delayed
Inefficient
Restricted
The risk of injury increases significantly.
We regularly see injuries arising from:
Rapid response incidents
Slips, trips, and reactive movements
Physical engagement where positioning was compromised
These are not just “accidents” — they are often the result of operational conditions and physical demands that have not been adequately supported.
If You Are Injured — What Are Your Options?
If you have sustained a workplace injury, it is critical to understand that:
You have rights
You may have access to workers’ compensation
You may be entitled to challenge decisions that don’t reflect your circumstances
At this point, it is important to clearly outline roles.
The Role of QPOA and MYUNION
QPOA and MYUNION are not law firms. We do not provide legal advice or legal services.
What we do provide is:
Advocacy and support
Assistance navigating workers’ compensation processes
Help understanding appeals and review pathways
Guidance on next steps
We work with you to ensure you are informed and supported — particularly when dealing with complex or disputed claims.
Appeals and Disputes
If your workers’ compensation claim has been:
Rejected
Reduced
Delayed
Disputed
You may have the ability to lodge an appeal or seek a review.
These processes are structured and time-sensitive, and having the right support can make a significant difference.
If Your Claim Has Been Accepted
An accepted claim does not always represent the full extent of your entitlements.
In some circumstances, you may have the option to explore a common law claim — particularly where negligence or systemic issues may have contributed to the injury.
Where 1800NOWINNOFEE Fits In
1800NOWINNOFEE is a referral service — not a law firm.
Its role is to:
Connect you with reliable and experienced law firms
Provide access to free initial advice about your situation
Help you understand whether further action may be available
Importantly:
There is no obligation to proceed
You remain in control of your decision
The purpose is to inform, not pressure
Bringing It All Together
The Calibre Press article reinforces a simple but powerful point:
When the moment comes, there is no preparation — only capability.
For correctional officers, that capability is shaped by:
Training
Environment
Equipment
Support systems
And when things go wrong — whether through injury or dispute — having the right support in place becomes just as important as the moment itself.
Support When You Need It
If you are dealing with a workplace injury or workers’ compensation issue:
📧 gethelp@myunion.au📞 1300 MYUNION🌐 www.myunion.au
If your claim has been accepted and you want to understand your broader options:
Important Notice
QPOA and MYUNION provide advocacy and support services only. We are not lawyers and do not provide legal advice or legal services. 1800NOWINNOFEE is a referral service that connects individuals with law firms who can provide legal advice where appropriate.