93 Police Officers added to front line

Families in communities from the Cape to Currumbin will benefit from more patrols and better policing following the induction of 93 additional Queensland Police Service officers at the Oxley Academy today.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the additional officers would begin work in their communities within the coming weeks to keep the streets safer for everyone. 

“I thank the 93 First Year Constables who have accepted the responsibilities of maintaining law, order and public safety in their role as police officers,” Mr Dempsey said. 

“These additional officers will provide added support to families and communities across Queensland as part of our strong plan for a brighter future for the frontline policing.

“The Newman Government has already provided more than 750 additional police officers across the state and we are well on our way to meeting our election commitment of 1,100 additional officers over four years. 

“We promised at the election to revitalise frontline services, after the former Labor government left the police service underfunded and under resourced, and we are delivering

“I wish each officer the best as they begin their work in coming weeks.” 

Mr Dempsey said the induction ceremony was particularly special following the handover of 30 swearing-in tables handcrafted by 20 students from the Darling Downs.

“These tables mark the point where recruits become appointed officers of the Queensland Police Service and is a special moment for every officer,” he said.

“Students have spent more than six months constructing tables which both commemorate 150 years of the Queensland Police Service, but also those officers who have fallen in the line of duty.”

Member for Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg said the students were showcasing the skills and craftsmanship of the Darling Downs.

“The project has been coordinated by staff and students at Stanthorpe State High School and has further developed their skills and will act as a fitting tribute for the Queensland Police Service,” Mr Springborg said.

“I want to thank each and every one of the students who have dedicated themselves to this project over many months.” 

Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett congratulated the constables on their graduation and welcomed them to the Queensland Police Service.

“I remember my induction ceremony well and I hope that this afternoon’s ceremony is a memory that each carries with them throughout a long and successful career,” Deputy Commissioner Barnett said.

“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.”

The new First Year Constables will be initially deployed to the following areas:

• North Brisbane (14)
• South Brisbane (17)
• Hervey Bay (2)
• Mackay (2)
• Maryborough (2)
• Rockhampton (4)
• Sunshine Coast (5)
• Cairns (3)
• Mount Isa (5)
• Townsville (5)
• Gold Coast (8)
• Redcliffe (8)
• Ipswich (8)
• Toowoomba (10)

[ENDS] 12 June 2014                                    

Media Contact: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821 orCallum Stewart 0403 925 703