Newest police recruits welcomed at Oxley and Townsville

Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, joined Commissioner Katarina Carroll today to welcome the largest intake of new police recruits in nearly a decade.

A total of 164 new recruits, have commenced their training at Queensland’s two police academies in Brisbane and Townsville, with an intake of 117 recruits and 47 recruits at the Brisbane and Townsville academies respectively.

The new recruits, the first intake for 2021, will undertake a comprehensive training program, that will give them the broad range of skills and capabilities required to be a member of Queensland’s world class police service.

The new intake also represents the first time a number of remotely based recruits have the option to complete some theory-based elements of the curriculum by way of a distance-based study program, prior to joining their colleagues at the academies.

Commissioner Carroll said the future officers would each play an integral role in keeping Queensland safe for generations to come.

“Each person is here today because they have demonstrated the commitment, values and attributes required to be a Queensland police officer,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“Today they will begin a world-class training regime to prepare them with the skills required to face a range of policing scenarios.

“I know that their time at the Academy over the coming months will be exciting, challenging and ultimately very rewarding and I am extremely pleased to be here today to share this experience.

“I wish all our newest recruits the very best with their training and look forward to them joining the Service as First Year Constables.”

Minister Ryan said the newest intake of recruits would bolster Queensland’s frontline services into the future.

“These future officers will begin their careers with the QPS at an unusual and important time for our state,” Minister Ryan said.

“The strength of our frontline services has never been more important to the safety and security of our state and I am confident that each person here today will play an important role in keeping our community safe.

“The training each of these recruits will embark on today will equip them with skills to ensure they are well prepared to handle future challenges with professionalism and dignity.

“This latest intake of recruits is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s watershed investment in police personnel, the biggest investment in policing in three decades, that will deliver an extra 2,025 personnel over five years.

“I congratulate each recruit here today for their commitment to serving the community and wish them all the best with their training over the coming months.”

-ENDS-

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444