Special Constables program expanded to bolster police frontline

• The Crisafulli Government has expanded the Special Constables program as we continue to strengthen the frontline after a decade of neglect under Labor.
• The Special Constables program, which recruits retired and former police officers, will now include a series of new roles such as forensics services and investigations.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering more police and stronger laws, which have resulted in a 9.6 per cent reduction of victims of crime, after they skyrocketed 193 per cent under Labor. 
• More than 2,100 police have now been sworn in since the Crisafulli Government came to office, after police left in droves during Labor's decade of decline. 

The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and bolstering the police frontline, with the expansion of the Special Constables program. 

The announcement delivers on a key recommendation from the Commissioner's 100-Day review, providing further support for police after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government. 

The program, which strengthens police operational capacity through the recruitment of retiring and former police officers, has now been expanded to roles including investigations, watchhouse operations, police prosecutions, scenes of crime and specialist forensic services. 

It comes as the number of Special Constables across Queensland has increased from 60 in October 2024 to 103 in August 2026 – a 71 per cent increase under the Crisafulli Government.  

Special Constables will continue to be engaged on a demand basis with the expansion to offer improved workforce flexibility, retention of specialist policing expertise and strengthened frontline operational capacity.  

Under the Crisafulli Government, for the first time in the State's history, there are now more than 13,000 police officers in Queensland, with a net headcount of 868 more officers on the beat since October 2024 to fight Labor's Youth Crime Crisis.  

Since the election, the Crisafulli Government has delivered more than 2,100 new police - 500 more officers than the 1,600 promised – after officers left in droves under Labor. 

The combination of more police and stronger laws is starting to turn the tide on Labor's Youth Crime Crisis, with police data showing victim numbers have fallen 9.6 per cent under the Crisafulli Government, after increasing 193 per cent under Labor.   

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the expansion of the Special Constables program would deliver more police to the frontline after a decade of neglect under the former Labor Government.  

"We are backing our police and giving them the support they need, which is why we are boosting the Special Constable program, which has already grown by 71 per cent," Minister Purdie said.  

"The expansion of this critical program will see more police officers delivered to the frontline to make Queensland safer and turn the tide on Labor's Youth Crime Crisis. 

"Not only are we delivering record numbers of police officers to the frontline we also remain committed to giving our hard-working men and women in blue the laws, resources and support they need to restore safety where you live." 

Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly said expansion of the Special Constable program would retain valuable policing experience and capability within the Service

“Special Constables remain an important part of the QPS workforce, retaining valuable policing experience and capability within the Service,” Deputy Commissioner Kelly said.  

“The expansion of the Special Constable capability will strengthen QPS capability and service delivery, ensuring experienced policing expertise is directed where it can best support operational priorities and community safety.”