QPS Gains Vital Frontline Experience in PACE Graduation

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed 53 new officers with policing backgrounds following their graduation from the QPS Academy in Brisbane.

Each officer brings valuable frontline policing experience from Australian and international jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom (UK), New Zealand, the United States, and Germany.

Over 20 weeks, the cohort completed the Police Abridged Competency Education (PACE) program, enhancing their skills and knowledge while developing their expertise within the QPS.

Their dedication highlights QPS's commitment to recruiting skilled officers to enhance community safety and strengthen frontline policing.

The QPS supports successful PACE graduates with a $20,000 relocation incentive to assist with their move to Queensland and offers higher pay based on their previous policing experience.

Police recruits at graduation
Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy and Assistant Commissioner Kevin Guteridge
Police recruits at graduation ceremony
Police recruits on parade at graduation

Acting Commissioner of Police, Shane Chelepy APM, welcomed the new officers and acknowledged the diverse experience they bring to bolster policing efforts across Queensland.

"Our newest officers are ready to hit the ground running with a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives that will benefit both their colleagues and the communities they serve," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.

"Their decision to join the QPS reflects Queensland's appeal as a place to live and work, as well as the rewarding career opportunities the QPS offers.

"I am proud to welcome them as they continue the next chapter of their policing career serving our state and providing vital frontline support as they deploy from the South East to the Far North."

Constable Manea Poa
Constable Darren Taylor

Constable Darren Taylor brings 26 years of experience with the UK's Merseyside Police, having served in several specialist roles, most recently as a Detective Inspector.

"Helping people and serving my community is a big part of why I became a police officer, so I'm looking forward to engaging with the community face-to-face; there's no better feeling," Constable Taylor said.

"Moving from the UK to Australia is a big decision for anyone, so QPS's relocation support made it easier for my family to embrace Queensland's unique opportunities and incredible lifestyle."

Constable Manea Poa brings extensive frontline experience as a New Zealand Police officer when she commences duties serving the Gold Coast community.

"Queensland is a beautiful place, and life here presents a wealth of opportunities, not just for my career development, but for my children's future as well," Constable Poa said.

"Being a police officer certainly comes with challenges but overcoming them is incredibly rewarding.

"I take pride in my role and enjoy being a positive role model, and I'm excited to bring my experience to serving my community."

Police PACE recruit graduation
Constable Darren Taylor salutes
Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy receives salute from Insp Faria
Recruits celebrate their induction as constables

This intake of First Year Constables will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:

RegionDistrictStationTotal
Brisbane (19)North Brisbane (8)Albany Creek1
Boondall1
Ferny Grove2
Hendra1
Indooroopilly1
Sandgate1
Stafford1
South Brisbane (11)Annerley2
Calamvale1
Capalaba2
Cleveland2
Moorooka1
Mt Ommaney1
Upper Mount Gravatt2
Central Region (2)Capricornia (1)North Rockhampton1
Mackay (1)Sarina1
Far Northern (7)Far North (7)Cairns4
Edmonton1
Innisfail1
Mareeba1
North Coast (5)Moreton (2)Burpengary1
Caboolture1
Wide Bay Burnett (3)Bundaberg1
Hervey Bay2
Northern (1)Townsville (1)Kirwan1
South Eastern (13)Gold Coast (9)Broadbeach 1
Coomera1
Nerang2
Robina1
Southport3
Surfers Paradise1
Logan (4)Browns Plains1
Crestmead1
Jimboomba1
Loganholme1
Southern (6)Darling Downs (2)Toowoomba2
Ipswich (2)Goodna1
Springfield1
Southwest District (2)Miles1
Roma1

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.

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