Queensland has gained 128 new police officers to keep the community safe, following a Queensland Police Service (QPS) swearing-in ceremony in Brisbane that marked one of the largest police inductions in 26 years.
Among the crowd of more than 750 attendees, proud families gathered to watch as their loved ones began their policing journeys, with 20 of the new officers coming from families with legacies in policing.
During the eight-month Recruit Training Program, the cohort underwent extensive training in operational policing issues, physical skills, driving, firearms and field craft.
The new intake includes individuals with experience in defence, healthcare, retail and skilled trades, with the youngest of the new officers being 19 years-old and the oldest being 51.
The new officers will now be deployed across Queensland to undertake further training and development on the job during the First Year Constable program.
This significant cohort is part of a major recruitment surge, following the launch of the 'Challenging, Rewarding, Policing' campaign last year. The QPS has graduated 850 recruits in the past 12 months-a 68% increase from the previous year-and there are more than 2,370 applications currently in the pipeline.
The QPS supports recruits with a training salary, cost of living bonus, and on-campus accommodation for eligible recruits. Additionally, a graduate with relevant tertiary degrees may be eligible to have up to $20,000 paid off their HECS debt.
Anyone interested in exploring a policing career can attend the QPS Community Safety and Career Expos that are being hosted around Queensland to learn more and connect with specialist units including Water Police, the Mounted Unit, Bike Squad, Cyber Crime, Highway Patrol and the District Crime Prevention Unit.
Expos will be held in Surfers Paradise on September 28 and Ipswich on October 26. Learn more at https://www.policerecruit.qld.gov.au/events.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon:
"It is an honour to welcome each of the 128 new First Year Constables to the Service," said Deputy Commissioner Scanlon.
"This cohort brings a wealth of diverse experience gained through former careers in areas such as defence and emergency services, skilled trades, hospitality and retail, and fields of study including criminology, health, and business management.
"It is also heartwarming to see so many of the new officers following in the steps of family members who are current or former police officers.
"I wish each of you the best and thank you for your dedication to your training and service."
Quotes attributable to Constable Taimur Junaid:
"After moving to Australia from Pakistan in 2014, the QPS's commitment to connecting with and keeping communities safe really stood out to me," said Constable Junaid.
"Working alongside police in my previous role in events and logistics, I was so impressed with how officers collaborated with each other and worked to support people in the community, that a policing career became my calling.
"I am focused on taking things step by step, learning as much as I can during my First Year Constable training in the Gold Coast District, and exploring specialist units to shape my future career within the QPS."
Quotes attributable to Constable Eligh Paulsen
"I have always admired the work police officers perform in the community and that admiration inspired me to pursue a policing career myself," said Constable Paulsen.
"While on station duty during training, the interactions I had with the people I met and assisted gave me a valuable insight into the importance of building relationships with the community we serve.
"Seeing how the sight of our uniform alone can create a sense of relief for people in need reinforced the positive impact police can have, and I am excited to start my deployment in Townsville as part of a Service that makes a real difference in people's lives."
This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:
| Region | District | Station | Total |
| Brisbane (22) | North Brisbane (11) | Boondall | 3 |
| Carseldine | 1 | ||
| City Station | 3 | ||
| Fortitude Valley | 2 | ||
| Hendra | 2 | ||
| South Brisbane (11) | Acacia Ridge | 1 | |
| Carina | 2 | ||
| Cleveland | 2 | ||
| Dutton Park | 1 | ||
| Inala | 1 | ||
| Moorooka | 1 | ||
| Morningside | 1 | ||
| Upper Mount Gravatt | 2 | ||
| Central Region (19) | Capricornia (10) | Biloela | 1 |
| Gladstone | 3 | ||
| Rockhampton | 6 | ||
| Mackay (9) | Bowen | 1 | |
| Mackay | 3 | ||
| Mackay Northern Beaches | 2 | ||
| Proserpine | 1 | ||
| Whitsunday | 2 | ||
| Far Northern (15) | Far North (15) | Atherton | 1 |
| Cairns | 6 | ||
| Edmonton | 4 | ||
| Innisfail | 1 | ||
| Smithfield | 3 | ||
| North Coast (9) | Moreton (4) | Caboolture | 4 |
| Wide Bay Burnett (5) | Bundaberg | 3 | |
| Gympie | 1 | ||
| Maryborough | 1 | ||
| Northern (12) | Mt Isa (3) | Mt Isa | 3 |
| Townsville (9) | Ayr | 1 | |
| Deeragun | 1 | ||
| Ingham | 1 | ||
| Kirwan | 2 | ||
| Mundingburra | 2 | ||
| Townsville | 2 | ||
| South Eastern (21) | Gold Coast (10) | Broadbeach | 2 |
| Nerang | 1 | ||
| Pimpama | 2 | ||
| Palm Beach | 1 | ||
| Robina | 1 | ||
| Runaway Bay | 2 | ||
| Southport | 1 | ||
| Logan (11) | Beaudesert | 1 | |
| Beenleigh | 1 | ||
| Browns Plains | 1 | ||
| Crestmead | 1 | ||
| Jimboomba | 1 | ||
| Logan Central | 2 | ||
| Loganholme | 1 | ||
| Logan Village | 1 | ||
| Springwood | 2 | ||
| Southern (30) | Darling Downs (10) | Gatton | 1 |
| Kingaroy | 1 | ||
| Laidley | 1 | ||
| Murgon | 1 | ||
| Stanthorpe | 1 | ||
| Toowoomba | 5 | ||
| Ipswich (13) | Goodna | 4 | |
| Ipswich | 3 | ||
| Karana Downs | 1 | ||
| Springfield | 4 | ||
| Yamanto | 1 | ||
| Southwest District (7) | Dalby | 4 | |
| Roma | 2 | ||
| St George | 1 |
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.
