Palaszczuk Government delivers 40 new police for North Queensland

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller and Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski will today welcome 40 new recruits and three new police dogs (PDs) to the Queensland Police Service at an induction ceremony in Townsville.

Minister Miller said today’s induction builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to boost frontline services across North Queensland.

“One of the benefits of having a QPS Academy in Townsville is being able to draw on the enthusiasm of locals who want to serve and protect their own communities here in North Queensland,” Minister Miller said.

“Our new recruits have completed 25 weeks of intensive training to ensure their policing skills have developed to a level necessary for operational policing as FYCs under supervision.

“Each of these 40 women and men have today sworn that they will maintain the highest levels of integrity, professionalism and accountability when serving the people of North Queensland. As Police Minister, I expect nothing less and know that the community expects nothing less.

“12 officers will be based in Cairns, 12 in Townsville, six in Innisfail, four in Mount Isa and two each in Ayr, Mareeba and Ingham.”

Allocations are based on the resources, needs and requirements of the Queensland Police Service.

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski congratulated the FYCs on their graduation.

“I hope that today’s ceremony is a memory that each FYC carries with them throughout a long and successful career within the QPS,” Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski 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.

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

Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said three new Police Dogs would also join the ranks of the Townsville Dog Squad.

“Each year QPS dogs are responsible for tracking and catching offenders right across our region. Their work in keeping our community is invaluable,” Minister O’Rourke said.

“PD Mace and his handler Senior Constable Nathan Hester, PD Kran and his handler Senior Constable David Sloane and PD Finn and his handler Senior Constable Brett Tome will all be stationed at the Townsville Dog Squad where they will perform duties as general purpose police dog teams.

“I wish all of our new recruits the very best for their careers ahead.”

[ENDS] 18 June 2015

Minister Miller’s Office (Brent Davidson in Townsville): 0438 696 185

Police Media: 3015 2444