Eleven experienced international and interstate police officers have been inducted into the Queensland Police Service (QPS) as the state's newest First Year Constables (FYCs) after successfully completing the Police Abridged Competency Education (PACE) program.
The 17-week PACE program, delivered at the QPS Oxley Academy is for eligible applicants who are either currently serving or have previous frontline policing experience outside of the QPS within the last 5 years.
The program includes a combination of theory and skills-based training and assessment, building on the cohort's existing background in policing.
A generous relocation incentive of $20,000 is currently available to successful graduates of the PACE program, providing crucial support to assist in their transition to serve the Queensland community.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Kelly extended his warmest congratulations to the 11 new First Year Constables who embarked on their policing careers with the QPS.
"We are richer for the experience, core values and skills these new officers bring to the Service from their previous policing careers across Australia and abroad.
"I applaud each graduate for their continuing commitment to a career in law enforcement and wish them well as they begin this new chapter with the Queensland Police Service."
The graduating officers come to QPS from policing jurisdictions across the globe, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Victoria, New South Wales and Northern Territory. This intake also sees a former QPS officer returning to the Service.
The cohort brings a wealth of experience in frontline policing, plus relevant studies in law, investigation and public safety.
Before joining the QPS, First Year Constable Rachel Adler served as a police officer with The Met in London as part of their general duties response team.
"The QPS international recruiting program has allowed me to move to Queensland to be closer to my family while continuing to pursue the career I love.
"The financial incentives for police considering relocating to Queensland make dreams achievable.
"I look forward to combining my new knowledge and honed skills from the PACE training program with the diverse skillset I developed on the job in London as I begin my new role serving the Queensland community at Mackay Northern Beaches."
All eleven officers will now be deployed to various regions across Queensland as they embark on their new careers and their ongoing commitment to keeping their communities safe.
An additional 579 police recruits are currently in training across mainstream and previous police experience pathways at academies in Brisbane and Townsville, with a strong pipeline of applicants from across Australia and overseas to follow later in the year.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said it was an honour to welcome these 11 new officers, each of whom brings a wealth of policing experience to contribute to a dynamic and resilient Service.
"For some of our newest graduates, the financial incentives available to interstate and international police have facilitated a move closer to family. For others, the incentives have enabled them to embrace a lifestyle change while staying dedicated to their policing careers.
"These incentives represent a valuable investment in people and their skills as we strengthen the Service and reinforce our commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe.
"I wish them all the best as they embark on their uniquely challenging and rewarding careers across Queensland, keeping our communities safe."
Current or recently serving police officers from Australia and overseas who are interested in a career with the QPS are invited to explore the relevant international or interstate career pathways.
If you're seeking a challenging and rewarding career, visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au.
This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:
BRISBANE REGION
North Brisbane District
Indooroopilly Station 1
Ferny Grove Station 1
Hendra Station 1
Brisbane City Station 1
CENTRAL REGION
Mackay District
Mackay Northern Beaches 2
FAR NORTHERN REGION
Far North District
Cairns Station 1
NORTH COAST REGION
Moreton District
Petrie Station 1
Caboolture Station 1
NORTHERN REGION
Townsville District
Townsville Station 1
SOUTH EASTERN REGION
Gold Coast District
Southport Station 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.