Twenty newly appointed Protective Services Officers (PSOs) are reporting for duty, after graduating from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Academy in Brisbane.
PSOs are integral members of the Protective Services Group (PSG) within the QPS, who ensure the safety and security of Queensland Government buildings, assets and people, whilst working closely with Queensland police officers.
QPS Assistant Commissioner Charysse Pond congratulated the latest group of graduates and formally welcomed them into the Service.
"It is such an important and honourable job, working to keeping Queenslanders safe," said Assistant Commissioner Pond.
"These new PSOs, with their diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, will provide an invaluable boost to the Protective Services Group."
Amongst Queensland's newest Protective Services Officers is New Zealand-born PSO Kat Thomas, who brings over two decades of security experience plus a passion for service to her community to the PSG.
"Before joining QPS, I proudly spent 27 years living and working in Logan and South Brisbane as a private Security Officer and on TransLink services," said PSO Thomas.
"Throughout my career, I've had many interactions with PSOs and always found them to be helpful, honest, and supportive.
"As I embark on my new role, I am excited about working with like-minded people, upholding the standards of QPS, and exploring the diverse career and development opportunities available."
Additionally, PSO Bruce Hitchin credits diverse life experiences for leading him to his career change. He looks forward to new challenges, working with like-minded people, and serving his community as he returns to Cairns to commence his new role.
"Life has taken me in numerous places and directions since I was a young man, from the Snowy Mountains to Melbourne to Cairns, and I have learned many life skills along the way," said PSO Hitchin.
"In addition to my most recent experience as a supervisor in charge of security at Cairns Base Hospital, team sports, sales, management, and tourism roles have all contributed to my developing the necessary life skills required to be an effective PSO.
"I have met some amazing people during our extensive but rewarding learning journey who I know will be lifelong friends. I am confident we will continue to support each other throughout our careers as we help provide a safe and secure environment."
The group has just completed a seven-week, full-time training program, where recruits are taught important operational skills and tactics, including communication training regarding the de-escalation of incidents.
The course also covers topics such as ethics and integrity, and recruits learn about legislation relevant to their duties.
These twenty new PSOs will be deployed across Queensland to help keep our communities safe.
PSG offers fulfilling and diverse opportunities, job security, and extensive prospects for career growth.
To learn more about a career as a Protective Services Officer and to gain an insight into the rewarding career paths available with the PSG, visit https://www.protectiveservicesgroup.qld.gov.au/
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.
