Queensland Police Service welcomes record-breaking graduation of 137 new officers

Published Thursday, 16 May, 2024 at 10:46 AM

Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Mark Ryan

  • 137 new police officers have been sworn into the Queensland Police Service, graduating from the Queensland Police Service Academy in Brisbane today.
  • This is the largest intake to graduate in 26 years.
  • Following the graduation of these 137 new constables, there are currently 546 recruits in training, with 144 new recruits joining the Academy next week (bringing the total number to 690).
  • A further 2,274 applicants are in the police recruiting pipeline.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed a record-breaking 137 new police officers following their graduation from the QPS Academy in Brisbane today.

The milestone marks the largest group of recruits to graduate in 26 years, signifying a substantial boost to the Service's frontline resources and commitment to keeping the Queensland community safe.

The cohort of graduates brings various transferrable skills and professional backgrounds to the Service, including defence and emergency services, skilled trades, education, and customer service.

Several current and former police officers were among the proud family members who gathered to celebrate these new First Year Constables (FYCs), watching their loved ones embark on their own policing careers.

Graduation day was not only special for new First Year Constable Sarah Harmer but also for her husband, Senior Sergeant Ryan Harmer, who was sworn in on the same date 18 years ago, following in the steps of his father, who graduated on the same parade ground in 1978.

The newest graduates completed the eight-month Recruit Training Program, undergoing extensive training in physical skills, driving, firearms and field craft.

The QPS supports recruits with a training salary and cost of living bonus.

Additionally, graduates with relevant tertiary degrees may be eligible to have up to $20,000 paid off their HECS debts.

There are currently 546 recruits training at QPS Academies in Brisbane and Townsville, with 144 new recruits joining the Academy next week and a further 2,274 applicants in the recruiting pipeline.

The Service's newest police officers will be deployed across Queensland, where they will receive further training and development on the job over the next 12 months through the First Year Constable program.

If you’re seeking a challenging and rewarding career, visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Ryan:

“It is an honour to welcome these 137 new First Year Constables as they begin their rewarding new careers,” Minister Ryan said.

“This is the largest intake to be inducted into the Queensland Police Service in 26 years, strengthening the frontline as well as our commitment to keeping the Queensland community safe.

“I encourage anyone considering a policing career to start now, as there has never been a better time with the incentives currently available to support recruits through their training.

“I commend these new officers for their commitment and wish them the best in their future careers.”

Quotes attributable to Commissioner Steve Gollschewski

“Congratulations and welcome to the 137 new first year constables joining the Queensland Police Service,” Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.

“These new officers bring a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives that will further strengthen our ability to meet the evolving needs of our community.

“They are joining a team of dedicated and exceptionally skilled professionals committed to keeping the community safe as well as feel safe.

“The graduation represents a momentous occasion for the Queensland Police Service and the communities we serve.

“I wish each of them the best, as they embark on an extraordinary career.”

Quotes attributable to First Year Constable Sarah Harmer

"I was looking for a career change that offered something different every day, where I could interact with the community but also feel a sense of accomplishment," she said.

"I have learned a lot about myself through the various stages of training, immersing myself in study and pushing myself through new situations.

"Throughout training, I felt supported by knowledgeable instructors, each with unique experiences and insights on being a police officer.

"I am looking forward to returning to my hometown of Warwick to start my policing career in a community I love."

This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:

Central Region                              

Capricornia District                     

Gladstone Station 5

Rockhampton Station 3

Nth Rockhampton Station  2

Mackay District                                      

Moranbah Station 1

Mackay Station 4

Northern Beaches Station  2

Sarina Station 1

FAR Northern Region                   

Far North District                         

Cairns Station 11

NORTH COAST Region           

Moreton District                                     

Burpengary Station  2

Petrie Station 2

Caboolture Station 2

Deception Bay Station 2

Mango Hill/Nth Lakes Station 2

Redcliffe Station 3

Woodford Station 1

Wide Bay Burnett District            

Maryborough Station 1

Gympie 1

Northern Region                           

Townsville District                       

Deeragaun Station 1

Kirwan Station 6

Stuart Station 1

Townsville Station 4

Mundingburra Station 2

Mt Isa District                                        

Mt Isa Station 1

Southern Region                 

Darling Downs District                           

Gatton Station 1

Kingaroy Station 1

Stanthorpe Station 1

Toowoomba Station 4

Warwick Station 1

Ipswich District                            

Goodna Station 4

Ipswich Station 3

South West District                     

Dalby Station 1

Chinchilla 1

South Eastern Region                 

Gold Coast District                      

Broadbeach Station 1

Mudgeeraba Station 2

Robina Station 2

Nerang Station 2

Runaway Bay Station 1

Pimpama 1

Logan District                                          

Browns Plains Station 1

Crestmead Station 2

Jimboomba Station  2

Logan Central Station 3

Loganholme Station 1

Beaudesert Station  1

Springwood Station 1

Brisbane Region                            

North Brisbane District                          

Albany Creek Station 1

Boondall Station 3

Brisbane City Station 4

Ferny Grove Station 3

Fortitude Valley Station 5

Hendra Station 4

Stafford Station 2

South Brisbane District                          

Acacia Ridge Station 3

Annerley Station 1

Capalaba Station 3

Holland Park Station 1

Inala Station 4

Mt Ommaney Station 1

West End Station 2

Wynnum Station 3

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444