Published Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
New recruits mark 50 years of police inductions
The Queensland Police Service today celebrated its 50th year of police inductions, with a graduation ceremony held at Chandler for 115 new recruits.
Police Minister Judy Spence and Commissioner Bob Atkinson welcomed the new officers to the Service, as they were officially sworn in.
Ms Spence made special mention of an honoured guest – one of the original police recruits from the first ever Queensland police induction on 29 May, 1958.
"Mr Edward Kenny was one of 24 officers sworn in at the first ceremony at the Queensland Police Barracks 50 years ago," Ms Spence said.
"During his 33 years as a police officer, Mr Kenny proved to be a great asset to the service, achieving the rank of Senior Sergeant before he retired in 1991.
"Mr Kenny's years of hard work and dedication to the people of Queensland are an inspiration to today's new recruits and it is an honour to have him attend this special induction ceremony.
"I too attended my first induction ceremony in 1958 as a one-year-old , when my father was inducted into the Queensland Police Service during one of the first parades that year.
"Policing has changed a lot in the past 50 years. While there were no female police officers in 1958, more than 30% of today's recruits are women.
"The recruits range in age from 20 to 49 and boast a variety of qualifications and previous work experience in fields such as nursing, fire fighting, child care, retail, law and the defence forces.
"21 of today's recruits also have previous policing experience, in Queensland, interstate or overseas.
"I congratulate all of the graduates on their induction today and wish them well as they embark on this rewarding and challenging career."
Ms Spence said the officers will take up positions in regions around the state.
13 will be deployed to the Central Region
4 will be deployed to the Metropolitan North Region
21 will be deployed to the Metropolitan South Region
20 will be deployed to the North Coast Region
28 will be deployed to the South Eastern Region
19 will be deployed to the Southern Region
10 will be deployed to the Far Northern Region
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.
“Today’s ceremony also sees the swearing-in of four Queensland Police Service dogs – Bosun who will be deployed at the Gold Coast, Odin (Sunshine Coast), and Yang (Bundaberg),” Commissioner Atkinson said.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office: 3239 6172 Police Media: 3015 2444
Police Minister Judy Spence and Commissioner Bob Atkinson welcomed the new officers to the Service, as they were officially sworn in.
Ms Spence made special mention of an honoured guest – one of the original police recruits from the first ever Queensland police induction on 29 May, 1958.
"Mr Edward Kenny was one of 24 officers sworn in at the first ceremony at the Queensland Police Barracks 50 years ago," Ms Spence said.
"During his 33 years as a police officer, Mr Kenny proved to be a great asset to the service, achieving the rank of Senior Sergeant before he retired in 1991.
"Mr Kenny's years of hard work and dedication to the people of Queensland are an inspiration to today's new recruits and it is an honour to have him attend this special induction ceremony.
"I too attended my first induction ceremony in 1958 as a one-year-old , when my father was inducted into the Queensland Police Service during one of the first parades that year.
"Policing has changed a lot in the past 50 years. While there were no female police officers in 1958, more than 30% of today's recruits are women.
"The recruits range in age from 20 to 49 and boast a variety of qualifications and previous work experience in fields such as nursing, fire fighting, child care, retail, law and the defence forces.
"21 of today's recruits also have previous policing experience, in Queensland, interstate or overseas.
"I congratulate all of the graduates on their induction today and wish them well as they embark on this rewarding and challenging career."
Ms Spence said the officers will take up positions in regions around the state.
13 will be deployed to the Central Region
4 will be deployed to the Metropolitan North Region
21 will be deployed to the Metropolitan South Region
20 will be deployed to the North Coast Region
28 will be deployed to the South Eastern Region
19 will be deployed to the Southern Region
10 will be deployed to the Far Northern Region
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.
“Today’s ceremony also sees the swearing-in of four Queensland Police Service dogs – Bosun who will be deployed at the Gold Coast, Odin (Sunshine Coast), and Yang (Bundaberg),” Commissioner Atkinson said.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office: 3239 6172 Police Media: 3015 2444