128 New Officers Bolster Queensland Police Force

• 128 new police officers have been sworn into the Queensland Police Service at a ceremony in Brisbane.
• 850 recruits have graduated from the QPS academies since the launch of the Challenging, Rewarding, Policing campaign 12 months ago.
• Not including today's graduating cohort, there are more than 640 additional recruits currently in training at QPS academies, and more than 2,370 applicants are in the recruiting pipeline.
• Today's graduation is a result of the biggest investment in police in more than 30 years as the Miles Government delivers on its commitment to deliver 3,000 extra police personnel

Queensland has gained 128 new police officers to keep the community safe, following a Queensland Police Service (QPS) swearing-in ceremony in Brisbane that marked one of the largest police inductions in 26 years.

This graduation is a direct result of the Miles Government's investment in extra police, the biggest investment in extra police personnel in more than 30 years.

It's an investment that will deliver approximately 3,000 extra police personnel, in line with the Miles Government's unprecedented $1.28 billion investment in the Community Safety for Queensland Plan.

At today's ceremony, among the crowd of more than 750 attendees, proud families gathered to watch as their loved ones began their policing journeys, with 20 of the new officers coming from families with legacies in policing.

During the eight-month Recruit Training Program, the cohort underwent extensive training in operational policing issues, physical skills, driving, firearms and field craft.

The new intake includes individuals with experience in defence, healthcare, retail and skilled trades, with the youngest of the new officers being 19 years-old and the oldest being 51.

The new officers will now be deployed across Queensland to undertake further training and development on the job during the First Year Constable program.

This significant cohort is part of a major recruitment surge, following the launch of the 'Challenging, Rewarding, Policing' campaign last year. The QPS has graduated 850 recruits in the past 12 months—a 68% increase from the previous year—and there are more than 2,370 applications currently in the pipeline.

The QPS supports recruits with a training salary, cost of living bonus, and on-campus accommodation for eligible recruits. Additionally, a graduate with relevant tertiary degrees may be eligible to have up to $20,000 paid off their HECS debt.

Anyone interested in exploring a policing career can attend the QPS Community Safety and Career Expos that are being hosted around Queensland to learn more and connect with specialist units including Water Police, the Mounted Unit, Bike Squad, Cyber Crime, Highway Patrol and the District Crime Prevention Unit.

Expos will be held in Surfers Paradise on September 28 and Ipswich on October 26. Learn more at https://www.policerecruit.qld.gov.au/events.

As stated by Police Minister Mark Ryan:

"It is a privilege to congratulate these 128 new First Year Constables as they begin their rewarding new careers.

"Today marks a milestone as we welcome one of the largest cohorts in over two decades. This, combined with the significant increase in applicants and graduates over the past 12 months, demonstrates an increasing desire to contribute to keeping our communities safe.

"I wish each of you every success as you embark on your policing careers."

As stated by Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon:

"It is an honour to welcome each of the 128 new First Year Constables to the Service.

"This cohort brings a wealth of diverse experience gained through former careers in areas such as defence and emergency services, skilled trades, hospitality and retail, and fields of study including criminology, health, and business management.

"It is also heartwarming to see so many of the new officers following in the steps of family members who are current or former police officers.

"I wish each of you the best and thank you for your dedication to your training and service."

As stated by Constable Taimur Junaid:

"After moving to Australia from Pakistan in 2014, the QPS's commitment to connecting with and keeping communities safe really stood out to me.

"Working alongside police in my previous role in events and logistics, I was so impressed with how officers collaborated with each other and worked to support people in the community, that a policing career became my calling.

"I am focused on taking things step by step, learning as much as I can during my First Year Constable training in the Gold Coast District, and exploring specialist units to shape my future career within the QPS."

As stated by Constable Eligh Paulsen:

"I have always admired the work police officers perform in the community and that admiration inspired me to pursue a policing career myself.

"While on station duty during training, the interactions I had with the people I met and assisted gave me a valuable insight into the importance of building relationships with the community we serve.

"Seeing how the sight of our uniform alone can create a sense of relief for people in need reinforced the positive impact police can have, and I am excited to start my deployment in Townsville as part of a Service that makes a real difference in people's lives."

This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations: