Graduation takes new police numbers past 700

Published Thursday, 20 March, 2014 at 04:15 PM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

More than 700 extra police officers are now on the beat in Queensland than under the former Labor government, with the graduation of 89 recruits from the Queensland Police Service Academy at Oxley.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said it showed the Queensland Government was delivering on its election promise to revitalise frontline services.

“We committed to make Queensland the safest place to live and raise a family and boosting our police numbers is an important part of that pledge,” Mr Dempsey said.

“At the election, we promised an extra 1,100 police over four years and today’s graduation puts us almost two thirds of the way there, just two years after making the pledge.

“I thank the 89 first year constables who have accepted the responsibilities of maintaining law, order and public safety in their role as police officers.

“They will witness the very best and very worst of human behaviour but, as I found during my 20 years as a police officer, it can be an incredibly rewarding career.”

The graduating officers completed the 25 week Police Recruit Operational Vocational Education (PROVE) Program which aims to provide recruits with a quality foundation.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the 89 officers would be stationed across each of the State’s five police regions, based on the resources, needs and requirements of the QPS.

“We have 13 first year constables allocated to the Brisbane Region, 18 to the Central Region, 12 to Northern, 21 to South Eastern and 25 to the Southern Region,” Commissioner Steward said.

“I remember my induction ceremony well and I hope this afternoon’s graduation is a memory that each new officer carries with them through a long and successful career within the QPS.

“The role of a police officer is like no other – responsible 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.”

[ENDS] 20 March 2014

Media contacts:

Minister Dempsey: Callum Stewart 0403 925 703               Police Media: (07) 3015 2444