94 new police officers bolster Queensland communities PLUS recruiting records continue to be broken

• 94 new police officers were sworn into the Queensland Police Service (QPS) today.
• The cohort includes a diverse range of backgrounds and previous occupations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the QPS.
• Due to the surge in the number of applicants wanting to join the Queensland Police Service, an additional intake of recruits will commence in August 2024 and is expected to take the total number of recruits at the Academies to approximately 800 - the highest in Queensland history. 

Almost 100 new officers graduated from the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley today, bolstering the ranks of the Queensland Police Service (QPS). 

This cohort represents a wide range of backgrounds and previous occupations, enhancing the QPS with diverse skills and perspectives.

Officers of this new intake bring with them a wealth of knowledge spanning various fields including emergency services, psychological science, criminology, nursing, animal science, as well as construction, sport, fitness, and baking. 

Their previous roles encompass diverse professions such as vet nurses, helicopter pilots, baristas, and dental technicians, highlighting the breadth of talent and experience now enhancing the QPS.

The QPS is amidst its largest ever recruitment campaign, with an expected 800+ recruits expected to be undergoing training by August 2024 and over 2,200 applicants progressing through the recruitment pipeline. 

Due to the number of applicants wanting to join the Queensland Police Service an additional intake of recruits will also now commence in August 2024. 

This extra intake of recruits is in addition to those that were already scheduled for July, two more intakes in October and another intake in November.

Today’s graduation marks a significant step in boosting the capacity and capabilities of the QPS to serve the Queensland community.

The graduation comes as the QPS ramps up its interstate recruitment campaign with its State of Origin themed campaign blitz with key ‘tongue-in-cheek’ messaging including, “Our blues are better than yours!” and “a great set of six - better pay, better leave, better training, better leadership, better opportunities, better long service leave!”

In addition, the QPS will be hosting Open Days in both Brisbane and Townsville, showcasing the diverse career path options available with Queensland police. 

Brisbane’s Open Day will be held at the Bob Atkinson Operational Capabilities Centre at the Wacol Police Complex on Saturday, 20 July 2024. 

Townsville’s Open Day will be held at the Townsville Police Academy on Saturday, 3 August 2024. 

These Open Days provide an inside look at QPS’ state-of-the-art training facilities, including the driver training track and firearms range.

The Open Days provides the public with information on a career in policing, as well the opportunity to connect with specialist units such as PolAir, Dog Squad, Forensic Services Group, Water Police, Dive Squad, Stock Squad and much more. 

To find out more, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/cc/qps-open-days-2024-3441349.

Quotes attributable to Police and Community Safety Minister Mark Ryan: 

“It is an honour to witness the swearing in of almost 100 new police officers,” he said. 

“Our newest officers bring expertise and skill from a diverse range of fields and occupations, which will add strength to the communities they will serve.

“I wish you all the best in your careers and thank you for choosing to serve and protect our Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to Commissioner Steve Gollschewski: 

“I would like to congratulate the 94 new constables for completing their extensive training and extend a warm welcome into the QPS family,” he 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.”

Quotes attributable to First Year Constable Stephanie Biddle:

“The Police Academy was such an eye-opening experience and has really set me up to begin my career in policing,” she said.

“I joined the QPS, as my values aligned closely with those of the Service.

“Coming from a vet technician background, I’ve always been passionate about helping people and I feel policing allows me to do that on such a large, community scale.

“Prior to joining the QPS, I created a why statement which highlights my purpose of wanting to make a positive change for the better, and it says; show love and respect to all, not to gain something in return but to simply make the world a better place.

“I’m so excited to begin this new career and get back into working directly with community.”

This intake will be deployed to the following stations: 

South Eastern Region                 

Gold Coast District  8

Broadbeach Station 3

Coomera Station 1

Nerang Station 2

Robina Station 1

Southport  1

Logan District 3

Beenleigh Station 1

Logan Central Station 1

Loganholme Station 1

Brisbane Region                            

North Brisbane District 7

Ferny Grove Station 1

Fortitude Valley Station 3

Hendra Station 3

South Brisbane District 9

Capalaba Station 2

Cleveland Station 2

Holland Park Station 1

Inala Station 2

Mt Ommaney Station 1

Upper Mt Gravatt Station 1

Central Region                              

Capricornia District 9

Gladstone Station 3

Nth Rockhampton Station 2

Rockhampton Station 3

Tannum Sands Station 1

Mackay District  8

Bowen Station 1

Mackay Station 3

Northern Beaches Station 1

Proserpine Station 1

Sarina Station 2

FAR Northern Region                   

Far North District 9

Atherton Station   2

Cairns Station 1

Innisfail Station  2

Mareeba Station 3

Tully Station 1

NORTH COAST Region           

Moreton District 10

Burpengary Station  1

Caboolture Station 2

Deception Bay Station  1

Mango Hill/Nth Lakes Station  1

Petrie Station  3

Redcliffe Station  2

Wide Bay Burnett District  1

Hervey Bay Station 1

Northern Region                           

Townsville District  10

Ayr Station  2

Kirwan Station  2

Mundingburra Station 2

Townsville Station  4

Mt Isa District  2

Mt Isa Station  2

Southern Region                 

Darling Downs District  6

Drayton Station 1

Highfields Station  1

Kingaroy Station  1

Toowoomba Station 3

Ipswich District  9

Goodna Station 3

Ipswich Station  3

Karana Downs  1

Springfield  1

Yamanto  1

South West District  3

Dalby Station 1

Miles Station  1

Roma Station 1

Fast fact:

• The combined number of recruits in training and sworn officers is the highest on record

Media contacts 

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

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444