- 38 new officers are set to join the Gold Coast Police District by the end of 2024.
- Their deployment is a welcome boost as the Gold Coast continues to grow.
- The officers be joining a team of professionals committed to the safety of the Gold Coast community.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) will welcome 38 First Year Constables (FYCs) to the Gold Coast Police District by the end of this year.
The allocation of new recruits to the Gold Coast District will bolster local efforts in community safety across the popular tourist city.
The new recruits reflect the Service's commitment to diversity and inclusion, representing various backgrounds and perspectives.
The newest graduates will bolster the Gold Coast ranks following an eight-month Recruit Training Program, undergoing extensive training in physical skills, driving, firearms and a range of real-world policing scenarios.
Once deployed throughout the Gold Coast Police District, they'll receive further training and development on the job over 12 months through the First Year Constable program.
Their deployment on the Gold Coast is crucial as the region continues to grow and evolve, necessitating a proactive and responsive police presence.
The QPS leads the nation on police recruitment and only two weeks ago there was a record graduation of 137 new police officers.
On Thursday, 56 new officers will graduate from the Townsville academy and by the end of next month there will be another two graduations.
There are currently almost 700 recruits at the police academies and almost 2200 applicants in the recruit pipeline.
All of this means that the total number of police officers plus the number of police recruits in Queensland right now is the highest ever in the state's history.
This is only possible because the government is making the biggest investment in policing in more than 30 years to deliver almost 3000 extra police personnel.
This is all part of the Community Safety Plan for Queensland, backed by $1.28 billion in additional investment from the government.
It builds on the successful measures that we have seen reduce offending in the first quarter of this year, with new investment and expanded initiatives.
The plan is focused on five key pillars, backed by evidence, including:
- Supporting victims
- Delivering for our frontline
- Detaining offenders to protect the community
- Intervening early
- Preventing crime before it occurs
If you're seeking a challenging and rewarding career, visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au.
As stated by Minister Mark Ryan:
"I am thrilled to see so many First Year Constables being deployed to the Gold Coast District over the coming months," Minister Ryan said.
"With their diverse skills and unwavering dedication, these officers will have positive impact the police community.
"The incentives we offer make this an ideal time to join the QPS, and I encourage anyone considering a career in policing to take advantage of these opportunities. I commend our new officers for their dedication and wish them a rewarding career."
As stated by Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:
"Our new recruits consistently bring an impressive array of skills, experiences, and fresh perspectives to the Queensland Police Service," Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.
"The Gold Coast is a unique and bustling region that requires a robust and responsive police service.
"They'll be joining a team of professionals deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the Gold Coast community.
"I am confident these new recruits will make a meaningful impact on the Gold Coast community, and I wish them great success as they begin their careers in policing."
As stated by Gold Coast District Officer Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon:
"These first-year constables are just some of the many cohorts to be stationed on the Gold Coast throughout this year.
"The Queensland Police Service recruiting pipeline is flowing well, and we expect to see more and more first year constables join the ranks of Gold Coast Police as they graduate from the Police Academy.
"The addition of these new officers to the district represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of our communities."