55 New QPS Officers Boost North Queensland Safety

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed 55 new officers into North Queensland communities, following the first Townsville graduation ceremony of the year.

The new officers will be deployed to communities between Gladstone and Gordonvale, bringing valuable perspectives from diverse backgrounds such as defence, finance and customer service.

The cohort's 36-week recruit training program was enhanced by opportunities to gain real-world experience and first-hand insights into the critical role police play in times of crisis.

During the recent North Queensland severe weather event, recruits were deployed in a support capacity to the District Operations Centre, where they assisted officers in logistics, provided meals and cooked BBQs.

Through their interactions with frontline officers, recruits gained experience in what can be expected of first responders during weather events, while reinforcing their commitment to the communities they will serve as sworn officers.

As part of this cohort, six graduates come from policing families, reflecting the deep-rooted tradition of service in North Queensland communities.

The induction of Constable Jesse Kinbacher, in the presence of his father, Sergeant Andrew Kinbacher, and grandfather, retired Sergeant John Kinbacher, marks a legacy of over 100 years of continuous QPS service by the Kinbacher family.

Commissioner of Police, Steve Gollschewski APM, congratulated the newest officers and acknowledged the significance of their deployment.

"Supporting North Queensland means investing and empowering our newest officers to start their policing careers in the communities they know best," Commissioner Gollschewski said.

"Many of these new officers will serve in their hometowns, bringing local knowledge, strong community ties, and an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in North Queensland."

Constable Lachlan Giarrusso's accounting background contributed to his valuable analytical skills, but it is his recent work in government disability services that he is most passionate about.

"Working with some of the most vulnerable members of our community taught me that effective, tailored communication is crucial in every interaction, and going above and beyond is essential to providing the best support," Constable Giarrusso said.

Constable Sian French's decision to join the QPS grew from a desire for new challenges, greater job satisfaction, and the opportunity to give back to the community.

"During my mining career I developed skills in Vertical Ropes Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Road Crash Rescue and Fire Fighting, as a volunteer member of the Emergency Response Team," Constable French said.

"This was exciting and, at times, physically challenging, but I needed to break the monotony of operating machinery all day.

"Through my training at the QPS Academy, I feel reassured that I have made the right choice in a purposeful career."

Constable Samatha Menteith received the Domestic and Family Violence Training Award for her exceptional achievement, practical application, and commitment to professionalism in investigating domestic and family violence.

A former marketing specialist and graphic designer, Constable Menteith praised the support and camaraderie amongst academy facilitators and recruits.

"My most rewarding experience was during the World Triathlon Championships when, instead of the few recruit friends I told I'd be competing, I was surprised to see the entire staff and cohort cheering me on as I rode past the academy - it truly showed how much of a family we are in the QPS," Constable Menteith said.

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