11 new police officers to be deployed to Cairns and Far North District as Queensland Police Service welcomes record-breaking graduation of 137 new officers

• 11 new police officers to be deployed to Cairns Police Establishment
• They are part of 137 new police officers 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.

Eleven new police officers will be deployed to Cairns providing enhanced policing capabilities to Cairns and the Far North District following a record-breaking graduation of 137 police officers from the Queensland Police Service Academy in Brisbane.

It is 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 State Labor Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:

“We welcome the new officers to Cairns and the Far North, and the dedication they bring to keep our community safe.

“This means extra boots on the ground and soon we will also have extra “eyes in the sky” with a police helicopter in Cairns to keep downward pressure on crime.”

Ends.