Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed eight new police dogs following the first stand-alone dog graduation in Queensland.
The dogs swapped their plain collars out for a ceremonial collar in recognition of their achievement, completing the 12-week training course facilitated at the State Dog Squad Training and Development Centre for general purpose police dogs.
This course produces highly skilled police dogs, delivering valuable support to frontline officers to keep Queensland communities safe.
QPS has the largest canine unit in Australia, currently with 111 dogs in the service and 23 in training.
Alongside their graduated dogs, six new handlers were awarded their QPS Canine Service Medallions, highlighting the significant growth to the dog squad.
These officers will be deployed to Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Logan, and Ipswich from the State Dog Squad Training and Development Centre.
Acting Assistant Commissioner David French, Operations Support Command, presented the ceremonial collars and medallions, articulating the importance of the squad to continuing community safety.
"We're thrilled to welcome additional Dog Squad officers into the QPS and this graduation marks 27 dogs that have joined this year." Acting Assistant Commissioner French said.
"The tactical support the handlers and their animals offer to front-line officers will greatly contribute to community and officer safety.
"We look forward to all the wonderful work these new officers will do for the Service and the community."
Among the new officers honoured was Senior Constable Rory Nikora who has been building his experience in police operations for nine years before being accepted into the specialist operation.
"I joined the service in 2014, to Mackay. I then joined the Rapid Action Patrol group in the Gold Coast that formed in 2016," said Senior Constable Nikora said.
"There are so many exciting and fulfilling career options within the QPS, I am proud to have been accepted into the dog squad so early into my career and my advice to anyone thinking of joining the service is to not wait and take the next step."
"Police dogs embody the perfect combination instinct and training, serving as both guardians and enforcers of the law, they are essential partners using their keen instincts and unwavering dedication to protect and serve our communities."
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.
