42 new recruits to walk the frontline

Dozens of new police will be walking the beat in Queensland after 42 police officers graduated from the Queensland Police Service Academy in Townsville today.

Acting Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Andrew Powell said the new officers would join a police service which had expanded under the Newman Government, as part of its commitment to revitalise frontline services.

“After years of neglect from the former Labor Government, the Queensland Police Service is undergoing its biggest recruitment drive in 20 years,” Mr Powell said.

“The Newman Government has already delivered more than 500 additional police officers across the state as a part of our election promise to providing 1100 more police officers over four years.”

Mr Powell said over the past 25 weeks the officers had honed their skills which would help them keep Queensland communities safe.

“Each of the 42 officers have accepted the challenges and responsibilities which come with maintaining law, order and public safety and I thank them for their service to Queenslanders,” he said.

“They will assist to create a safe environment for communities and visitors across the state and I wish them all the best in their careers.”

Member for Thuringowa Sam Cox, who represented Mr Powell at the ceremony, congratulated the officers on their achievement.

“I wish all the new officers the best in their careers and we’re extremely confident they’ll enjoy a long and fulfilling career in the QPS,” Mr Cox said.

“Here in Townsville, we’ve seen recently how dangerous the work of a police officer can be and I thank all police officers for putting their hand up to protect the people of Queensland.

“We said at the state election that we were absolutely committed to revitalising frontline services and these new officers are also dedicated to protecting communities across the state.”

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart congratulated the First Year Constables on their graduation and announced that they would commence their careers in the Central and Northern regions.

“It is my vision that these new constables will be courageous, fair and proud in their duties as they work to stop crime, make the community safer and build relationships,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“The role of a police officer is like no other – responsibility for the safety and security of Queensland. There is no doubt that each of these new officers will experience some challenging situations, however there will also be many rewarding and humbling times.

“I wish luck to every officer in their career and feel confident that they will uphold the QPS standards of excellence and service.”

The new FYCs will be initially deployed to the following areas:

• Bowen (2)
• Mackay (4)
• Proserpine (2)
• Rockhampton (6)
• Yeppoon (1)
• Ayr (2)
• Cairns (7)
• Charters Towers (2)
• Ingham (2)
• Innisfail (3)
• Mareeba (3)
• Mt Isa (4)
• Townsville (4)