- 56 frontline officers will be graduating from Townsville Police Academy
- The largest graduating cohort from the Townsville Police Academy in 13 years
- There are currently more than 2,000 applicants in the recruiting pipeline.
- This is the first graduating cohort from the Townsville Police Academy for 2024.
The Queensland Police Service inducted a record-breaking 56 new frontline officers into the Townsville Police Academy today, the highest graduating number of officers at the Academy in 13 years. The graduating cohort are the first to be welcomed into the Service from the Townsville Academy for 2024, with more than 2,000 applicants currently in the recruiting pipeline.
This is on top of the over 600 recruits currently training at the Police Academies.
Being the largest intake in 13 years truly exemplifies the Service's commitment to strengthening the frontline and keeping our Queensland communities safe. The graduating cohort brings an array of professional backgrounds and transferable skills including engineering, Defence, as well as mechanics and other skilled tradespeople to the Service. First Year Constable (FYC) Benjamin Maher worked in a laboratory after studying a bachelor's degree in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, when he decided he was missing a sense of positive community interaction. Benjamin joined the Service after growing up in a policing family, with a future ambition to use his bachelor's degree for applying into a Scenes of Crime or Forensics speciality role. FYC Dan Evans brings 25 years of agricultural industry experience to the Service, where he hopes to use these skills to one day transition into a Rural Stock Crime Squad speciality role. Dan is being stationed in Charters Towers, where he will live with his wife and two children. FYC Melissa Wines joined the Police Academy at the age of 50, after always wanting to become a police officer, and will be the first member of her family to join the Service. QPS recruits are paid a full-time salary and receive a cost-of-living allowance whilst undertaking their training and development at the Academy.
This is only possible because the government is making the biggest investment in policing in more than 30 years to deliver almost 3000 extra police personnel.
This is all part of the Community Safety Plan for Queensland, backed by $1.28 billion in additional investment from the government.
It builds on the successful measures that we have seen reduce offending in the first quarter of this year, with new investment and expanded initiatives.
The plan is focused on five key pillars, backed by evidence, including:
- Supporting victims
- Delivering for our frontline
- Detaining offenders to protect the community
- Intervening early
- Preventing crime before it occurs
If you're seeking a challenging and rewarding career, visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au.
As stated by Minister Mark Ryan:
"It is an honour being here today acknowledging the largest intake in 13 years from the Townsville Police Academy, welcoming Queensland's newest First Year Constables," Minister Ryan said.
"After eight months of training at the Police Academy, Queensland's newest officers will prepare to be deployed across Queensland, reinforcing the frontline and reassuring the safety of our communities.
"I wish you the best of luck in your challenging and extremely rewarding policing careers, you have all worked incredibly hard in the lead up to this special day."
As stated by the Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart:
"Our Police Service works hard to keep our community safe, and it's an honour to attend the graduation ceremony for the newest First Year Constables.
"I know many of them will be going around the state to start their careers and will do their communities proud.
"I look forward to meeting with the four new constables at the Townsville Station."
As stated by the Member for Mundingburra, Les Walker:
"This is the largest cohort of graduates from the Townsville Queensland Police Academy, and I'm delighted to have been able to be there for this well-earned day after months of hard work.
"They will bolster the frontline wherever they go and enhance their community's safety.
"I look forward to meeting with the three new Mundingburra Station First Year Constables when they start work."
As stated by the Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper:
"I congratulate the 56 graduates on their hard work in their training, and I wish them the best of luck going forward.
"I'm sure each of you will serve with distinction and help to make a difference in your communities.
"I know five of you will be serving in Kirwan Station, and I look forward to meeting with you."
As stated by Commissioner Steve Gollschewski
"Congratulations and welcome to all 56 First Year Constables joining the Queensland Police Service," Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.
"These new officers bring a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives that will further strengthen our ability to meet the evolving needs of our community.
"They are joining a team of dedicated and exceptionally skilled professionals committed to keeping the community safe as well as feel safe.
"I wish each of them the best, as they embark on an extraordinary career."
As stated by Assistant Commissioner Kevin Guteridge:
"I would like to congratulate you all on your dedication to training after a challenging eight-month training period, where you will now be welcomed to serve in communities all across the state," Assistant Commissioner Kevin Guteridge said.
"It is fantastic to see such a diverse group of individuals and I hope your future in the Service is one that you approach with great excitement and honour.
"I look forward to seeing you all embark on this exciting journey as you step into the role of protecting Queenslanders across the State."
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
- Initial Station List for Graduating First Year Constables:
FAR NORTH REGION 15
Far North District
Cairns Station 7
Edmonton Station 4
Smithfield Station 2
Atherton Station 1
Mossman Station 1
NORTHERN REGION 24
Townsville District
Ayr Station 2
Charters Towers Station 2
Ingham Station 2
Townsville Station 4
Mundingburra Station 3
Kirwan Station 5
Deeragun Station 2
Stuart Station 2
Mount Isa District
Mount Isa Station 2
SOUTHERN REGION 1
Ipswich District
Ipswich Station 1
CENTRAL REGION 15
Mackay District
Mackay Station 3
Mackay Northern Beaches Station 1
Whitsunday Station 1
Proserpine Station 1
Bowen Station 2
Capricornia District
Rockhampton Station 3
Yeppoon Station 2
Wide Bay Burnett District
Bundaberg Station 1
Hervey Bay Station 1
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 1
Gold Coast District
Southport Station 1
