Induction ceremony sees new recruits and Police Dogs sworn in to service

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) Academy, Oxley campus saw 84 recruits and six Police Dogs (PDs) graduate on Thursday.

Graduating as First Year Constables (FYC), they have completed 25 weeks of intensive training. The Recruit Training program aims to provide recruits with a quality foundation so that they can provide excellent service to the community and ensures their policing skills have developed to a level necessary for operational policing as First Year Constables under supervision.

Commissioner Ian Stewart congratulated the FYCs on their graduation and announced that they would be positioned in the Brisbane, Central, Northern, South Eastern and Southern Regions to commence their careers.

“These allocations are based on the resources, needs and requirements of the Service. We have allocated 17 First Year Constables to the Brisbane Region, 12 to the Central Region, 14 to the Northern Region, 19 to South Eastern Region and 22 to the Southern Region,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“I remember my induction ceremony well and I hope that this afternoon’s ceremony is a memory that each FYC carries with them throughout 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,” Commissioner Stewart said.

The QPS also welcomed seven new PDs to its ranks as part of the ceremony.

PD Bravo and his handler, Sergeant Constable Joseph Alofipo will perform as a General Duties team in the Gold Coast; PD Bolt and his handler, Senior Constable Peter Shearer; and PD Maui and his handler, Senior Constable Chad McLeod will all be stationed at Brisbane where they will perform duties as General Duties teams; PD Cammo and his handler Senior Constable Chris Hayes will perform as a General Duties team in Gladstone; PD Chief and his handler, Senior Constable Ben Sawden will be stationed in Mackay as a General Duties team; PD Rippa and his handler, Senior Constable Sam McGregor will perform as a General Duties team in Logan; and PD Kip and his handler, Senior Constable Cherie Banks will be stationed in Brisbane as a Drug Detection team.

Minister for Police Bill Byrne said the Queensland Police perform a vital role in the maintenance of law and order, and public safety.

“On behalf of the communities and the Queensland Government, I am grateful for the 84 First Year Constables who have accepted this responsibility today,” Minister Byrne said.

“Each has sworn that they will maintain integrity, professionalism and accountability when serving and protecting the people of Queensland. Queenslanders should feel confident that these standards will be met.

“They will assist to create a safe environment for residents and visitors, working in partnership with local communities and other government agencies around Queensland.

“First Year Constables breathe new life into the Service with their unique experiences and enthusiasm. I would like to acknowledge the education and support services provided by the QPS Education and Training Command.”

ENDS

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