Qld’s police family continues to grow, with induction of 4th Clark brother: Spence
Published Wednesday, 23 April, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence today welcomed the fourth brother from one family into the Queensland Police Service, at a graduation ceremony at the Sleeman Sports Complex today.
44 year old recruit, Murray Clark is in fact the seventh member of the Clark family to join the Queensland Police Service, since his eldest brother Acting Inspector Graham Clark first signed up in 1980.
The Clark’s policing family tree now includes:
• Brothers – Acting Inspector Graham Clark (Brisbane North District – Crime Services); Constable Malcolm Clark (Laidley Police); Senior Sergeant Bradley Clark (Toowoomba Traffic Branch); and Constable Murray Clark (inducted today)
• Acting Inspector Clark’s wife – Senior Contable Linda Clark (Fingerprint Bureau);
• Acting Inspector Clark’s son – PC Constable Justin Clark (Oxley District CIB); and
• Acting Inspector Clark’s step-mother – Della Clark (administration officer at Wynnum Station)
Ms Spence said: “It is great to have so many members of the Clark family, now serving as part of the greater Queensland Police family.
“So far this family has clocked up 92 years of policing service in this state.
“Murray’s induction today shows policing is clearly in this family’s blood – you might even say policing is the family business!
“All members of the Clark clan can feel very proud of their achievements, as the role of a police officer is one of the most honourable positions in our society.
“Those who join the QPS share a desire to serve the people of this state and everyday, officers around this state go above and beyond to protect the community and fight crime.
“The Clarks are a truly inspiring bunch of people and I would be delighted to see more members of this family join the Queensland Police Service in the future.”
Acting Inspector Graham Clark said Murray's graduation was a proud moment for the family.
"We are all proud that the family is so well represented in the Queensland Police Service - each of us do what we can to make our communities a safer place,” Acting Inspector Clark said.
"It will be great to have my youngest brother working within the service. With the wealth of police experience available within the family, I am sure Murray will be able to have access to some good advice along the way."
Ms Spence said Constable Clark is among 86 recruits inducted into the QPS during today’s graduation ceremony.
“The recruits come from a range of cultural and professional backgrounds,” Ms Spence said.
“We have new officers joining us from the UK (5), USA (2), Germany(1), New Zealand (6), Papua New Guinea (1), and various locations throughout regional and metropolitan Queensland.
“The graduates have experience in a wide range of fields, including the theatre industry, childcare, the Royal Australian Air Force, nursing, plumbing, police chaplaincy and real estate.
“I have no doubt their previous life experiences will assist these officers in their new roles as the state’s crime fighters.”
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said: “To be selected as a police recruit in Queensland is in itself a significant achievement. Our standards are high and only a small proportion of those who apply eventually become sworn officers.”
“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.
“I am extremely confident that the future of policing is in good hands – we have good people, great opportunities and strong support from a community which holds us in high regard.”
The new officers will be posted to the following regions (districts in brackets):
• Metropolitan North Region 21
• Metropolitan South Region 16 (Oxley 5; South Brisbane 6; Wynnum 5)
• North Coast Region 19 (Gympie 3; Redcliffe 8; Sunshine Coast 8)
• South Eastern Region 16 (Gold Coast 11; Logan 5)
• Southern Region 14 (Ipswich 8; Toowoomba 4; Warwick 2)
MEDIA CONTACT: 3239 6172
44 year old recruit, Murray Clark is in fact the seventh member of the Clark family to join the Queensland Police Service, since his eldest brother Acting Inspector Graham Clark first signed up in 1980.
The Clark’s policing family tree now includes:
• Brothers – Acting Inspector Graham Clark (Brisbane North District – Crime Services); Constable Malcolm Clark (Laidley Police); Senior Sergeant Bradley Clark (Toowoomba Traffic Branch); and Constable Murray Clark (inducted today)
• Acting Inspector Clark’s wife – Senior Contable Linda Clark (Fingerprint Bureau);
• Acting Inspector Clark’s son – PC Constable Justin Clark (Oxley District CIB); and
• Acting Inspector Clark’s step-mother – Della Clark (administration officer at Wynnum Station)
Ms Spence said: “It is great to have so many members of the Clark family, now serving as part of the greater Queensland Police family.
“So far this family has clocked up 92 years of policing service in this state.
“Murray’s induction today shows policing is clearly in this family’s blood – you might even say policing is the family business!
“All members of the Clark clan can feel very proud of their achievements, as the role of a police officer is one of the most honourable positions in our society.
“Those who join the QPS share a desire to serve the people of this state and everyday, officers around this state go above and beyond to protect the community and fight crime.
“The Clarks are a truly inspiring bunch of people and I would be delighted to see more members of this family join the Queensland Police Service in the future.”
Acting Inspector Graham Clark said Murray's graduation was a proud moment for the family.
"We are all proud that the family is so well represented in the Queensland Police Service - each of us do what we can to make our communities a safer place,” Acting Inspector Clark said.
"It will be great to have my youngest brother working within the service. With the wealth of police experience available within the family, I am sure Murray will be able to have access to some good advice along the way."
Ms Spence said Constable Clark is among 86 recruits inducted into the QPS during today’s graduation ceremony.
“The recruits come from a range of cultural and professional backgrounds,” Ms Spence said.
“We have new officers joining us from the UK (5), USA (2), Germany(1), New Zealand (6), Papua New Guinea (1), and various locations throughout regional and metropolitan Queensland.
“The graduates have experience in a wide range of fields, including the theatre industry, childcare, the Royal Australian Air Force, nursing, plumbing, police chaplaincy and real estate.
“I have no doubt their previous life experiences will assist these officers in their new roles as the state’s crime fighters.”
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said: “To be selected as a police recruit in Queensland is in itself a significant achievement. Our standards are high and only a small proportion of those who apply eventually become sworn officers.”
“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.
“I am extremely confident that the future of policing is in good hands – we have good people, great opportunities and strong support from a community which holds us in high regard.”
The new officers will be posted to the following regions (districts in brackets):
• Metropolitan North Region 21
• Metropolitan South Region 16 (Oxley 5; South Brisbane 6; Wynnum 5)
• North Coast Region 19 (Gympie 3; Redcliffe 8; Sunshine Coast 8)
• South Eastern Region 16 (Gold Coast 11; Logan 5)
• Southern Region 14 (Ipswich 8; Toowoomba 4; Warwick 2)
MEDIA CONTACT: 3239 6172