March 8 marks an international day where we come together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and celebrate diversity, equitability, and inclusivity.
We've asked officers around the state to reflect on their role in the QPS and tell us why they love what they do.
Collectively, today and everyday we celebrate womens' achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.
Police Liaison Officer Gemma Frampton
Police Liaison Officer (PLO) Gemma Frampton said it was her connection to Community that made her want to join the Queensland Police Service and work to strengthen the bonds between police and community members.
"I was living and working in Community and wanted to keep doing the same work I was doing, while having the opportunity to develop cultural relationships and strengthen bonds," said PLO Frampton.
PLO Frampton reflects on a time that has specifically stuck with her where she came across a girl sitting outside the police station shaking and visibly upset.
"I simply approached her gently and asked if she was ok. We talked for a while before I invited her to an outreach that night. She came along and over the weeks she eventually became a volunteer," said PLO Frampton.
"She told me that I saved her life that day."
PLO Frampton says that there is nothing greater than being able to positively impact lives in her day-to-day work.
Senior Constable Anne Collis
How to combine a passion for helping your community with a love of the outback?
Senior Constable Anne Collis, Officer-in-Charge of Mckinlay Station, 220km south east of Mount Isa, thinks she has found the right balance.
She joined the QPS in 2011 and worked at Brisbane, Mount Isa and Cloncurry before putting her hand up to run the remote one-officer station in 2018.
She said although Mckinlay was isolated, she was never lonely.
"I just love that there's almost nobody out here, but at the same time there is a strong sense of community and people don't hesitate to come together to help each other," she said.
"Being in charge of your own station also means you become skilled at every aspect of policing.
"It's been great to have a work life balance and be a part of my community."
Police Recruit Sharleigh de Boer
Police Recruit Sharleigh de Boer will graduate from the Queensland Police Service Academy (QPSA) in a mere two and a half weeks, where she'll begin her career as a First Year Constable (FYC) at Goodna Police Station.
She said she joined the QPS as she knew policing had a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
"It is so important to love your job," she said.
As a First Nations person herself, Police Recruit De Boer said she has a passion for working with First Nations community members.
"My grandma was part of the Stolen Generation, so it is really important to me to work closely with First Nations people and bridge the gap between them and the police," she said.
With her induction fast approaching, Police Recruit de Boer said she will hold the friendships she's made at the QPSA close to her heart.
"You train with your squad for six months, preparing to become an FYC," she said.
"We have gone through the same challenges together, supported one another and will begin our policing careers together."
Police Recruit de Boer said if you are thinking of joining the QPS - just do it!
"Regardless of your story, your circumstances or how you perceive what makes a police officer, our community is absolutely different in size, age, and nationality, so we need to have police that reflect the community in that way too," Police Recruit de Boer said.
Detective Senior Constable Catherine Swan
A practical range of skills learnt outside the QPS are regularly put into use in this officer's daily duties as a detective in the Rural Major and Organised Crime Squad, AKA MOCS Rural.
A highlight in Detective Senior Constable Swan's career was being a part of a cold case investigation which led to two offenders being charged with serious offences, 40 years on.
It's the diversity to her work that gives her reasons to continue valuing her role.
"From office paperwork to riding troop horses and motorbikes through rural properties, I enjoy the real variety and being able to help protect the rural community," Detective Senior Constable Swan said.
Acting Senior Sergeant Kirsty Gleeson
Acting Senior Sergeant Kirsty Gleeson admits that the biggest obstacles she's faced as a woman are those she's placed on herself.
"Achieving an even work-life balance can be difficult when working in a role where you are on call and some days can be tough," said A/Senior Sergeant Gleeson.
"Without a doubt, the biggest achievement in my personal life is being able to provide my family with a loving home where the importance of compassion and integrity is paramount.
"Professionally, my proudest moment was when I became the first female sergeant in the Toowoomba Scenes of Crime Unit.
"I see IWD as a time for everyone to celebrate and reflect on the achievements of women and raise awareness of gender equality.
"The first woman to be sworn into the QPS was in 1965 and since then, it's incredible to see the progression of females through the QPS, with the appointment of our first female Commissioner in 2019."
When A/Senior Sergeant Gleeson was asked what she would say to young women facing today's world, her integrity shone through.
"Be kind. Be kind to others always. And be kind to yourself."
Senior Constable Danielle Loftus
Senior Constable Danielle Loftus was 10 years old when she was hit by a car on the way home from school. She remembers nothing of the crash, but a severe head injury left her unable to find the words to communicate.
Her prognosis was poor initially, but with determination and family support, she gradually regained her memory and language skills and was able to return to school.
She had been told a number of times over the following years that her head injury could limit her career options, but at age 25, and seeking new opportunities, she decided to give policing a go.
She declared her head injury on the application form, passed the fitness tests and other challenges and was accepted into the recruit program, graduating at 26 years of age.
She is currently working as a Domestic and Family Violence Officer, a role that she considers a privilege.
"Empathy and the ability to listen are essential components of being a police officer, and becoming a mother has added to the lived experience I've been able to bring to the job," she said.
"I'm certainly glad I chose a career in policing. There is lots of variety and I've been really fortunate to work in schools and community groups and get programs together that assist our community."
Detective Senior Constable Natalie Bennett
Detective Senior Constable Natalie Bennett comes from an extended family of police officers, and was drawn to the job herself because of her passion for helping other members of society feel safe and secure.
Two of her proudest moments have been when young women who she helped as child victims contacted her many years later to thank her for the positive impact she had made on their lives.
"They remembered me telling them not to turn to drugs or crime, because then the person who hurt them would have won," Detective Senior Constable Natalie said.
"Another proud moment was when I and another female police officer travelled to the USA and represented our police service at National Police Week.
"What I love about my job is the amazing people I work with. We are a great diverse group and I still get up every day looking forward to coming to work, even after 30 years as a police officer," she said.
Sergeant Sharon Morgan
If overcoming personal adversity is one of the things that helps make a good police officer, then Sergeant Sharon Morgan is one of our best.
Sergeant Morgan is the first female Officer in Charge at Gin Gin Police Station, but when she started out in the QPS, she was in a toxic relationship beset by domestic and family violence.
After an incident that threatened the safety of her children, police were called to her home and a domestic violence order was issued.
The police sergeant who attended that day gave her the courage and support to finally move on after seven years in the violent relationship.
Sergeant Morgan said she was able to bring her personal experience to her role as a police officer, particularly when dealing with victims of domestic violence.
"There's not a week that goes by where I'm not attending a domestic violence related incident, so while I'm not proud of staying so long and being subjected to that and having my children exposed to that behaviour, it's made me a better police officer because I do have that background," she said.
The Queensland Police Service are looking for applicants that seek purpose, direction and meaning from their careers in a different way than they have before. For more information visit PoliceRecruit.com.au.
