INDIGENOUS LEVELS IN QUEENSLAND POLICE INCREASE

The level of interest shown by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in joining the Queensland Police Service is as high as ever, Police Minister Judy Spence has revealed.

Releasing the latest figures of indigenous recruit intakes, Ms Spence said the number of police officers identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander has increased from 150 in June 2003, to 176 in June 2006.

“Police have reported an increase in indigenous officers joining the service in the past couple of years,” Ms Spence said.

“The Queensland Police Service actively promotes policing as a career for indigenous people.

“They have an Indigenous Career Development Co-ordinator who travels extensively to high-density indigenous communities, conducting career sessions and providing information and advice for direct entry to the Queensland Police Service.

“In addition, since 2004 the Queensland Police Service has run the Justice Entry Program, which is a six month program at the Queensland Police Academy which helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons gain Certificate IV level qualifications – which are a recruitment requirement.

“The program recognises job-related experience, formal training and other life experiences for trainees who may not otherwise be eligible for direct selection as a police recruit.”

Ms Spence said the Justice Entry Program was recognised as one of Australia’s three best training initiatives in 2004, when it was selected as a finalist in the Australasian Training Initiative Award category of the Australian Training Awards.

She said more than 20 people who had undertaken the six month program had become Queensland police officers.

“Last year the program had its single largest intake, with 19 indigenous people starting the November 2006 intake for the Justice Entry Program,” Ms Spence said.

“I am further encouraged by the strong interest shown in the August 2007 intake for the next program, as 96 application kits have been sent to indigenous people who have expressed an interest in the program to date.”

Media contact – Alison Smith 3239 6218