Eighty-eight newly appointed First Year Constables (FYC) have been welcomed into the Queensland Police Service, ready to embark on their new policing careers, after graduating in Brisbane today, January 25.
Today's graduating cohort are the first to be welcomed into the ranks for 2024, with an additional 592 police recruits currently in training at Academies in Brisbane and Townsville, and with a healthy pipeline of applicants to follow later in the year.
Over the next 12 months, the FYCs will undertake further station-based training where they will undergo mentorship, development and assessment on the job, putting their 36-weeks of training, in which they learn to examine problems taken from everyday policing situations, into practice as they are deployed from Mudgeeraba to Mareeba and beyond.
These skills are vital to their frontline roles as they will provide essential and unique support to their communities.
Commissioner Katarina Carroll extended a warm welcome the 88 new First Year Constables.
"Your dedication and commitment to training can be attributed to the high standards you hold for yourselves," Commissioner Carroll said.
"It is inspiring to see many of you following in the paths of your relatives who are current or previously in policing careers, and your own commitment to protect and serve your communities.
"We are a Service made up of invaluable individuals whose knowledge, culture and experiences make us stronger as a whole.
"Your journey promises a fulfilling and rewarding career where your every effort contributes to the protection and safety of the Queensland community."
This cohort of graduates brings with them a variety of professional backgrounds and transferable skills including defence, social work and as skilled tradespeople.
First Year Constable Erin Vaughan brings almost 14 years' experience as a Senior Social Worker in clinical areas including sexual assault, child protection, and domestic and family violence.
Now, as a Queensland police officer, she will continue her commitment to support the community at their most vulnerable.
As part of today's graduation ceremony, First Year Constable Vaughan was awarded the People Capability Command's Domestic and Family Violence award, which recognises the highest achievement, practical application and commitment to professionalism in the investigation of Domestic and Family Violence.
In addition to this, she also received the Commissioner's Award for recognition of individual conduct, leadership qualities, skills performance, academic results and commitment to the ideal principles of service to the community.
First Year Constable Vaughan said she is excited to have completed her training and to be able to serve her community as a member of the QPS family.
"I am grateful for my time at the Academy. It pushed me to be the best version of myself and taught me that I am capable of anything if I'm willing to work for it and not give up," First Year Constable Vaughan said.
"I have made lifelong friends that I've had the privilege of sharing this amazing journey with and I am so grateful for their support, humour and diverse skill sets.
"I am enthusiastic to be starting this new journey and for the opportunity to contribute to making our community safe."
As she embarks on her policing career, First Year Constable Vaughan follows four of her cousins who have previously served with the QPS and Australian Federal Police.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said it is an honour to welcome the new QPS officers as they commence their rewarding new careers.
"Their diverse backgrounds, experiences and wealth of skills enhance the strength of the Service and our ability to connect with the communities they serve.
"It is a privilege to support these dedicated officers as they embark on their journey, and I commend them for their commitment to Queensland community.
"I wish you all the best in your fulfilling and rewarding policing journey."
QPS recruits are paid to train at the Academy, earning a full-time salary and receiving a cost of living allowance whilst undertaking their training and development.
If you're seeking a challenging and rewarding career, visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au.
This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:
BRISBANE REGION
North Brisbane District
Boondall Station 1
Brisbane City Station 3
Hendra Station 2
Indooroopilly Station 1
Fortitude Valley Station 2
Ferny Grove Station 1
Sandgate Station 1
Stafford Station 1
South Brisbane District
Calamvale Station 1
Capalaba Station 2
Cleveland Station 1
Coorparoo Station 1
Inala Station 1
Moorooka Station 1
Upper Mount Gravatt Station 4
Wynnum Station 1
CENTRAL REGION
Capricornia District
North Rockhampton Station 2
Rockhampton Station 1
Mackay District
Mackay Station 2
Moranbah Station 1
Whitsunday Station 1
FAR NORTHERN REGION
Far North District
Atherton Station 3
Mareeba Station 4
NORTH COAST REGION
Moreton District
Petrie Station 1
Redcliffe Station 2
Burpengary Station 1
Caboolture Station 2
Bribie Island Station 1
Wide Bay Burnett District
Bundaberg Station 1
Gympie Station 1
NORTHERN REGION
Townsville District
Townsville Station 13
Ayr Station 2
Ingham Station 2
Mt Isa District
Mt Isa Station 1
SOUTH EASTERN REGION
Gold Coast District
Palm Beach Station 1
Broadbeach Station 2
Southport Station 1
Pimpama Station 1
Runaway Bay Station 1
Coomera Station 1
Surfers Paradise 1
Mudgeeraba Station 2
Logan District
Springwood Station 1
Yarrabilba Station 1
Loganholme Station 2
Jimboomba Station 1
Browns Plains Station 1
SOUTHERN REGION
Darling Downs District
Laidley Station 1
Toowoomba Station 3
Murgon Station 1
Ipswich District
Yamanto Station 1
Karana Downs Station 1
A career within the Queensland Police Service is like no other. From protecting, responding, and investigating, to supporting, rescuing and learning – the sheer variety of roles make it both a challenging and rewarding career.
As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. Now really is the best time to join.
Visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au to kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community.