"First Nations officers contribute to building and sustaining stronger and positive relationships through their own lived experiences and their ability to connect through culture."
These are the words of passionate First Nations police officer Constable Jarwin Blackman.
The calm and collected police officer grew up on the Sunshine Coast and is of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander descent.
Aligning with the NAIDOC Week 2024 theme, 'Keep the Fire Burning: Blak, Loud and Proud', Constable Blackman sees his position as an opportunity to be a "role model" for all First Nations peoples.
Sworn in as a Queensland Police Service (QPS) officer during the height of the pandemic in June 2021, he describes this as "an interesting and unique time."
"I found policing to be more effective when it was approached from an educational angle as opposed to one of enforcement," says Constable Blackman about the covid mandates.
Constable Blackman completed his first three years at Caboolture Police Station as a general duties police officer.
He has recently transferred to Maroochydore Police Station closer to his home on the Sunshine Coast.
"I like the variety of work in general duties policing. Every day is different, and no two jobs are ever the same. I enjoy meeting new people and being able to assist the community and I find the work can be very rewarding."
A 'Blak, Loud and Proud' First Nations police officer
"Being a First Nations police officer, I found I have been able to engage with First Nations members of the community on a more personal level given my knowledge and understanding of culture."
If Constable Blackman looks familiar, it's because you may have seen him in the tv series Our Law.
The show follows Indigenous officers and cadets who are trying to break the cycle of Indigenous incarceration and improve the relationship between First Nations people and the police.
In one scene, a member of the public being arrested explicitly says to Constable Blackman, "I'd rather have you hold me than that white fella."
"I have found that because of my heritage, I have been able to establish a level of trust and rapport with First Nations people that is not always achieved by other officers," says Constable Blackman.
Constable Blackman believes it's "vital" to have representation of First Nations people within QPS.
"I see my position as a First Nations officer as an opportunity to connect with mob through my heritage and culture. I'm particularly passionate about being a role-model to First Nations youth that have been through the criminal justice system and when I meet these youth in the community, I take the opportunity to have a yarn and provide a space to have a conversation that is culturally safe."
"Back yourself and give it a go."
Constable Blackman offers this encouraging phrase to other First Nations people considering a career with the QPS.
"At times things will be difficult, challenging and not everyone will agree with your decision, however, the career is incredibly rewarding, and you will definitely be able to make positives changes in people lives."
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.
