The Queensland Police Service (QPS) welcomed a wave of seasoned talent today as 78 officers, all with interstate or international policing experience, graduated from the QPS Academy in Oxley.
QPS offers a special-entry program for officers with experience in other Australian or overseas police services, and trains recruits through its 18-week Police Abridged Competency Education (PACE) program. PACE uses a combination of theory and skills-based training and assessment, designed to build upon existing policing experience.
Addressing the induction parade, Commissioner of Police, Steve Gollschewski, welcomed Queensland's newest police officers, acknowledging the cohort's expertise from across Australia and around the world.
"Today's graduates bring great experience, diverse perspectives and valuable skills from their previous policing careers," said Commissioner Gollschewski.
"These new officers will help boost the Service's frontline resources and strengthen our ability to meet the evolving needs of our community.
"I applaud each of them for their dedication to making our community safer and feeling safer."
The officers inducted into QPS today represent the largest PACE cohort to date. Of the 78 new officers, 36 previously served with New Zealand Police, while their colleagues hail from the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Hungary, United States of America, and other Australian police services.
Before joining the QPS, Constable Quinten Pretorius served in South Africa's Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department for 15 years, where he was promoted to Chief Superintendent in operations and specialised services.
"From a young age, I have been driven to make a meaningful impact in my community. I was drawn to the QPS's values of Integrity, Respect and Courage. These deeply resonate with my own principles, and my passion for creating safer communities through proactive and collaborative policing," said Constable Pretorius.
"I am eager to work with Queensland's diverse communities, building strong relationships through active listening and cultural understanding to create a safer, supportive environment where community members feel valued and heard."
"Following graduation, I will be transferred to Bundaberg. I look forward to exploring Queensland with my family and discovering the scenic beauty and adventures the state offers."
Constable Rebecca Greenwood, who served in the New Zealand Police for five years, brings determination to make a positive difference.
"My experience as a Youth Aid Officer in New Zealand, working with high-risk youth offenders, has given me the skills and passion to help aid these challenges in Queensland. My previous experience, combined with the new skills I've learned at the QPS Academy, will allow me to positively impact the communities I serve," said Constable Greenwood.
"The opportunity to continue my policing career overseas, while taking advantage of Queensland's weather and being closer to family and friends was very attractive. I am looking forward to exploring the state and already, between experiencing the city and beaches, plus working in the career I love, I feel I am living a well-balanced lifestyle."
"I feel great pride in becoming a Queensland Police Service officer, and I am excited to continue my career here as I begin my career in South Brisbane District."
The QPS recognises the contribution of experienced officers, offering a $20,000 relocation incentive to eligible applicants, along with higher pay from day one at the academy. There are currently more than 580 active applications for the PACE program.
Following today's graduation, there are 700 QPS recruits in training, and more than 2,400 applicants in the recruiting pipeline.
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.
