Published Wednesday, 21 January, 2009 at 02:51 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Queensland Police Service induction a family affair
Police Minister Judy Spence and Commissioner Bob Atkinson said today’s swearing in of 141 new police was a family affair with a father and daughter and husband and wife graduating as Police officers into the Queensland Police Service at the same ceremony.
“As Police Minister and the daughter of a Police officer, having a father and daughter graduating makes this a special day for me,” Ms Spence said.
“We also have a husband and wife being sworn in, which goes to show old fashioned family values still count in one of the most modern police services in the world.”
Former New South Wales police officer John Peters and his daughter Jessica were sworn in to the Queensland Police Service with 141 new police at Sleeman’s Sports Complex, Chandler today.
Husband and wife, Liam and Jessica Malloy, both former Northern Territory police and now Queensland police, will be stationed on the Gold Coast.
Ms Spence said she attended her first police induction as a one year old.
“It was my father’s induction ceremony, and while I can’t remember much about it, it has always been recalled with a sense of pride in my family.”
Ms Spence said today’s induction is proof of the Bligh Government’s commitment to increasing police numbers across the State.
“We are training more police, providing better facilities and world class technology.
“We are also introducing new initiatives and strengthening laws to make Queensland a safer and better place to live.
Ms Spence said the Bligh Government had increased the police service budget to $1.5 billion this year – up 10 per cent on last year.
“Today’s induction of new police brings police numbers in Queensland to 9,983.”
“And we are spending $142 million in building new police stations and upgrading infrastructure.
“Crime decreased by five per cent last year and has decreased by almost 25 per cent over the past seven years.”
“Police are valued members of the public, and I know Queensland’s newest crime fighters will be an asset to the communities they serve and help continue the trend in falling crime.”
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said: “Individuals who embark on and succeed in the training that is required to become a police officer clearly demonstrate outstanding qualities and characteristics – determination, strength, resilience.
“Police perform a vital role in the maintenance of law and order, and public safety and I feel confident that our newest officers will continue to uphold that tradition of excellence.
“All Queenslanders should feel proud of the calibre of the men and women who police our community and these newest graduating constables are no exception.”
New Police will be posted to the following regions:
o Central Region - 6 (Rockhampton 6)
o Far Northern Region - 8 (Cairns 8)
o Metropolitan North Region - 23
o Metropolitan South Region - 18
o North Coast Region - 33
o Northern Region - 3 (Townsville 3)
o South Eastern Region - 30 (Gold Coast 22, Logan 8)
o Southern Region - 20 (Toowoomba 10, Ipswich 10)
The police induction at the Queensland Police Service’s Townsville Police Academy of 61 police in May will further boost police numbers in Townsville, North Queensland, Central Queensland and Far North Queensland
The Police Commissioner decides where police are stationed taking into account issues including crime rates, the size of areas to be covered and a wide range of factors.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office: 3239 6218 Police Media: 3015 2444
“As Police Minister and the daughter of a Police officer, having a father and daughter graduating makes this a special day for me,” Ms Spence said.
“We also have a husband and wife being sworn in, which goes to show old fashioned family values still count in one of the most modern police services in the world.”
Former New South Wales police officer John Peters and his daughter Jessica were sworn in to the Queensland Police Service with 141 new police at Sleeman’s Sports Complex, Chandler today.
Husband and wife, Liam and Jessica Malloy, both former Northern Territory police and now Queensland police, will be stationed on the Gold Coast.
Ms Spence said she attended her first police induction as a one year old.
“It was my father’s induction ceremony, and while I can’t remember much about it, it has always been recalled with a sense of pride in my family.”
Ms Spence said today’s induction is proof of the Bligh Government’s commitment to increasing police numbers across the State.
“We are training more police, providing better facilities and world class technology.
“We are also introducing new initiatives and strengthening laws to make Queensland a safer and better place to live.
Ms Spence said the Bligh Government had increased the police service budget to $1.5 billion this year – up 10 per cent on last year.
“Today’s induction of new police brings police numbers in Queensland to 9,983.”
“And we are spending $142 million in building new police stations and upgrading infrastructure.
“Crime decreased by five per cent last year and has decreased by almost 25 per cent over the past seven years.”
“Police are valued members of the public, and I know Queensland’s newest crime fighters will be an asset to the communities they serve and help continue the trend in falling crime.”
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said: “Individuals who embark on and succeed in the training that is required to become a police officer clearly demonstrate outstanding qualities and characteristics – determination, strength, resilience.
“Police perform a vital role in the maintenance of law and order, and public safety and I feel confident that our newest officers will continue to uphold that tradition of excellence.
“All Queenslanders should feel proud of the calibre of the men and women who police our community and these newest graduating constables are no exception.”
New Police will be posted to the following regions:
o Central Region - 6 (Rockhampton 6)
o Far Northern Region - 8 (Cairns 8)
o Metropolitan North Region - 23
o Metropolitan South Region - 18
o North Coast Region - 33
o Northern Region - 3 (Townsville 3)
o South Eastern Region - 30 (Gold Coast 22, Logan 8)
o Southern Region - 20 (Toowoomba 10, Ipswich 10)
The police induction at the Queensland Police Service’s Townsville Police Academy of 61 police in May will further boost police numbers in Townsville, North Queensland, Central Queensland and Far North Queensland
The Police Commissioner decides where police are stationed taking into account issues including crime rates, the size of areas to be covered and a wide range of factors.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office: 3239 6218 Police Media: 3015 2444