Police from overseas and interstate among our newest recruits

Police officers from London, Lancashire, United States, New Zealand and the Cayman Islands were among the new recruits inducted at a police graduation ceremony today.

They were joined by police officers from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory as Police Minister Judy Spence and Commissioner Bob Atkinson today welcomed 117 new recruits.

Police Minister Judy Spence said gaining officers from other jurisdictions is a bonus.

“Combined, they have decades of policing experience which is a great benefit and they are able to hit the ground running.

“Today’s graduates range in age from 20 to 46 and bring a wide range of experience to the job.

“Aside from interstate and overseas police officers our new recruits come from a diverse range of previous careers including a customs officer, plumber, teacher, personal trainer, nurse, an animal attendant and even a barista.

“It takes people from different backgrounds and experience to make a great police service.

“We also welcome a new police dog Shilo into the Service. Shilo will work with the drug detection team,” Ms Spence said.

Commissioner Bob Atkinson said he was pleased to be at the ceremony to welcome Queensland’s newest police officers.

“Serving the community of Queensland as a police officer is a rewarding career and I am sure each of our new officers will bring the skills and professionalism necessary to undertake this career,” Commissioner Bob Atkinson said.

“Modern policing requires that we provide a service that is highly specialised, and the use of police dogs across the state increases our service capability.

“I thank those who have supported and assisted our newest police in reaching this milestone. We are pleased they have chosen this as their new career and I am sure they will work well with our existing members who strive to meet the needs of this vast state.”

23 January 2008

Minister’s office: 32396218

Police Media: 3015 2444