QPS Academy welcomes 19 students from all walks of life

A more diverse Queensland Police Service is on the way after Police Minister Bill Byrne and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart today congratulated 19 students who started the new 10 week Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) program at the QPS Academy at Oxley.

The course will prepare participants for direct entry to the QPS Recruit Training program.  

The 19 students will be introduced to core policing knowledge while also developing their communication skills and confidence before becoming a QPS recruit.

Minister Byrne said police dealt with a range of people from diverse backgrounds in their day-to-day work.

“It’s important we have a diverse police service that reflects the nature of Queensland’s communities,” Minister Byrne said.

“I know our hardworking police are trained to deal with the diversity they can encounter and do an excellent job on the whole.

“Having more members of our police service who come from diverse backgrounds can only be good for developing stronger relationships with the community.”

Commissioner Stewart congratulated the students on earning a place in the first intake of this unique program.

“Each of these officers have a rich background and can offer the Queensland Police Service a wealth of experience and different perspectives,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“This newly implemented program ensures that as a Service, our officers across Queensland continue to be a reflection of the diverse community that we strive to protect.

“Having staff from a range of backgrounds means that we can build strong relationships and provide effective policing services across all communities.”

Of the 19 students, 13 were born overseas in countries including Chile, India, Denmark, Zimbabwe, Korea, South Africa, Hong Kong, China and Sri Lanka. Of those born in Australia and New Zealand, their backgrounds are from the Philippines, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, India, Sri Lanka and Samoa.

Their previous occupations include corrections, sales, carpentry, youth work, truck driving, customer service and remedial massage.

“The program focuses on developing the confidence of each student throughout the four phases of the program, community engagement activities and through peer coaching,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“This approach to personal and professional development is unique to the program and allows the students to begin their development of the core attributes required of a police recruit.

“I remember my academy training well and the memories made here will carry with these students throughout their hopefully long and successful careers within the QPS.

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

Media contacts

Minister Byrne’s office:                                                                  0400 622 433

Police Media:                                                                                  (07) 3015 2444