120 NEW RECRUITS BOLSTER POLICE NUMBERS IN QUEENSLAND

Police Minister Judy Spence, together with Commissioner Bob Atkinson will today welcome 120 new recruits into the Queensland Police Service.

Minister Spence said the recruits come from a wide range of backgrounds and represent the diversity of the police service in Queensland.

“I’m pleased to see that 27 recruits with previous policing experience from interstate and overseas are joining the Queensland Police Service today,” Ms Spence said.

“There are 16 recruits who have experience in other Australian states including 7 from the Northern Territory and 5 from New South Wales.

“There are 11 recruits who were formerly police officers overseas including 7 from the United Kingdom and 3 from New Zealand.

“Along with a former Queensland officer who is rejoining the service these recruits have a combined 251 years of experience as police.”

Ms Spence said there are also 92 recruits who are starting a new career with the Queensland Police Service after working or studying in other fields.

“Some of these people have previously worked as Library Assistants, Wildlife Officers, Hairdressers, Butchers, Teachers, Personal Lenders, Insurance Brokers and we even have a former Funeral Director becoming a police officer.”

“Many also have important tertiary and other skills which will help them including a Bachelor in Social Science-Criminology. Bachelor of Justice-Investigations and Policing, Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Human Movements/Applied Science.”

“The experience these recruits have gathered in their previous employment and studies will benefit them when making decisions as police officers,” Ms Spence said.

Commissioner Atkinson said all Queenslanders should feel proud of the calibre of men and women who police our community and these newest graduating constables are no exception,” Commissioner Bob Atkinson said.

“Police perform a vital role in the maintenance of law and order and public safety and I feel confident our newest officers will continue to uphold that tradition of excellence.”

The Minister and Commissioner will also be welcoming two new police dogs, Angus and York, who will be based at the Townsville District Dog Squad and the Explosive Ordnance Response Team respectively.


Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218/ 0439 673 287
Police Media – 3015 2444