First female police motorcyclists hit the road

Published Friday, 25 September, 2015 at 04:39 PM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Jo-Ann Miller

 

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller today praised the skill and dedication of the first Queensland female officers to become qualified police motorcycle officers.

 Minister Miller joined Police Commissioner Ian Stewart to personally congratulate Senior Constables Rozanna Henriksen and Linda Tajnai who have just completed three weeks of rigorous training.

 “It is a significant achievement and I hope they will be the first of many female officers to pass the Service’s motorcycle training course,” Minister Miller said.

 “Both officers were experienced motorcycle riders before their training. They are trailblazers.

 “I am sure they will be a tremendous asset to the Service and play an important role in road safety.

 “I am told that since Queensland has had motorcycle officers only one other female officer had started the course.

 “That was in the late 1970s and the officer found out she was pregnant and withdrew from training.”

 Commissioner Stewart said: “This is a huge step forward for the QPS Road Policing Command (RPC) as it opens the door for other female officers who may have been thinking about a career in road policing, including a career as a motorcyclist.

 “The course prepares our motorcycle officers for all adverse conditions, for country riding and city riding, and the unique hazards these situations can present.”

 Commissioner Stewart said eight participants started the course and five have completed it.


 “The course is as much a mental game as it is a physical one with every rider having to dig deep. Being a police motorcyclist requires a level of self-reliance and attentiveness while riding, way above the normal requirements of traditional police patrol work,” Commissioner Stewart said.

 Senior Constable Henriksen of Gold Coast Road Policing Unit said it was an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment to complete the motorcycle training course.

 “Giving up was not an option for me and it is a very proud moment. I’m excited to get out on the road,” she said.

 The course, which is facilitated by experienced motorcyclists with assistance from current operational motorcycle officers, has a focus on riders being able to assess a dynamic environment instantly and apply a series of linked skills seamlessly.

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