75 NEW CONSTABLES SWORN INTO THE QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE
Published Wednesday, 25 October, 2006 at 03:37 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson have welcomed 75 new recruits into Queensland’s long blue line after graduating from the Queensland Police Academy in Brisbane today.
Five police dogs were also inducted at the ceremony – including one bomb detection dog, one drug detection dog and three general purpose dogs – which will all be deployed in the Brisbane and Logan areas.
“These 75 new constables will join the ranks of more than 9,230 Queensland police officers,” Ms Spence said.
“The Beattie Government is committed to increasing the number of sworn police officers, and this year we are putting 770 recruits through the Police Academy.
“Today’s graduating officers range in age from 21 to 46, and 32% of them are women.
“All have completed the 30 week Police Recruit Operational Vocational Education program, and bring to the police service a range of experience from previous careers such as youth work, an aircraft technician, paramedics, soldiers, a translator and teachers.”
Ms Spence said the new officers will serve in the following areas around the state:
Region District Number of police
Central Rockhampton 8
Far Northern Innisfail 4
Mareeba 3
Metro North Metro North 10
Metro South Oxley 4
South Brisbane 4
Wynnum 3
North Coast Bundaberg 3
Gympie 3
Maryborough 3
Northern Mount Isa 4
Townsville 6
South Eastern Gold Coast 8
Logan 4
Southern Ipswich 5
Toowoomba 4
Ms Spence asked Queenslanders to not only welcome these additional police officers, but to thank those police officers who perform a vital role within our community, often facing difficult and testing situations.
“As police officers, they will have the opportunity to make a difference to many people’s lives, and to whole communities,” Ms Spence said.
“There are few careers that offer this – and even fewer that offer such varied career opportunities.
“With 63 specialist areas, from the bomb squad to the stock squad, the drug investigation unit to school based police officers – there are numerous opportunities for recruits to expand or refine their skills.
“It doesn’t take one ‘type’ of person to become a good police officer. But it takes many people - of different backgrounds - to make a great police service.”
Mr Atkinson told the officers the career path they had chosen came with great responsibility.
“A significant part of that responsibility is to wisely use the powers you are vested with as police officers, and to always conduct yourself in a manner that is beyond reproach,” Mr Atkinson said.
“It is up to you to rise to that challenge, and I have great faith that you will meet and exceed our expectations.
“There are many worthwhile occupations, but to have the responsibility for the safety and security of all people in Queensland is the equal of any.”
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287
Police media 3015 244
Five police dogs were also inducted at the ceremony – including one bomb detection dog, one drug detection dog and three general purpose dogs – which will all be deployed in the Brisbane and Logan areas.
“These 75 new constables will join the ranks of more than 9,230 Queensland police officers,” Ms Spence said.
“The Beattie Government is committed to increasing the number of sworn police officers, and this year we are putting 770 recruits through the Police Academy.
“Today’s graduating officers range in age from 21 to 46, and 32% of them are women.
“All have completed the 30 week Police Recruit Operational Vocational Education program, and bring to the police service a range of experience from previous careers such as youth work, an aircraft technician, paramedics, soldiers, a translator and teachers.”
Ms Spence said the new officers will serve in the following areas around the state:
Region District Number of police
Central Rockhampton 8
Far Northern Innisfail 4
Mareeba 3
Metro North Metro North 10
Metro South Oxley 4
South Brisbane 4
Wynnum 3
North Coast Bundaberg 3
Gympie 3
Maryborough 3
Northern Mount Isa 4
Townsville 6
South Eastern Gold Coast 8
Logan 4
Southern Ipswich 5
Toowoomba 4
Ms Spence asked Queenslanders to not only welcome these additional police officers, but to thank those police officers who perform a vital role within our community, often facing difficult and testing situations.
“As police officers, they will have the opportunity to make a difference to many people’s lives, and to whole communities,” Ms Spence said.
“There are few careers that offer this – and even fewer that offer such varied career opportunities.
“With 63 specialist areas, from the bomb squad to the stock squad, the drug investigation unit to school based police officers – there are numerous opportunities for recruits to expand or refine their skills.
“It doesn’t take one ‘type’ of person to become a good police officer. But it takes many people - of different backgrounds - to make a great police service.”
Mr Atkinson told the officers the career path they had chosen came with great responsibility.
“A significant part of that responsibility is to wisely use the powers you are vested with as police officers, and to always conduct yourself in a manner that is beyond reproach,” Mr Atkinson said.
“It is up to you to rise to that challenge, and I have great faith that you will meet and exceed our expectations.
“There are many worthwhile occupations, but to have the responsibility for the safety and security of all people in Queensland is the equal of any.”
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287
Police media 3015 244