97 police officers start challenging and rewarding careers

• 97 new police officers have been sworn into the Queensland Police Service (QPS) today.
• There are currently 619 recruits in training as the QPS continues its largest ever recruitment campaign.
• The new officers were the first to swear the new QPS oath and affirmation, which was updated this year to incorporate language that emphasises the QPS’ commitment to serving the community and human rights.
• Among the new graduates is fourth generation QPS officer Harrison Wacker, who will be following the professional footsteps of his great-grandfather, grandfather and father.

Almost 100 new officers joined the Queensland Police Service after graduating from the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley today.

The 97 new officers were the first recruits to swear the newly revised oath and affirmation as part of their induction, which was updated this year to emphasise the QPS’ ongoing commitment to serving the community.

Alongside the oath, the new officers were also the first to adopt the updated statement of ethics which was revised to properly reflect the QPS’ respect for human rights.

The graduating class brings with them a wealth of experience and skills from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds, as well as numerous graduating legacies.

First Year Constable Harrison Wacker is the fourth generation of his family to join the QPS, following in the professional footsteps of his father, grandfather and great grandfather. Harrison’s great-grandfather, Harold Wacker, joined the Queensland Police in 1921, becoming second class sergeant and Officer in Charge of Aramac Police Station, before his son (Harrison’s grandfather), Mervyn Wacker swore his oath in 1948. Harrison’s father, Jon Wacker, followed the familial tradition, swearing his oath in 1979, marking the start of his own illustrious career in which he received the Australian Police Medal before his retirement at the rank of Superintendent in 2019.

Fellow graduates Caydenn Louw and Sophie Mason are also both QPS legacy graduates among today’s newly inducted officers. First Year Constable and Leadership Award recipient Caydenn Louw, also hails from a policing family, with his grandfather having worked as a police officer in South Africa. Caydenn was born in South Africa and immigrated to Australia with his family in 2010. Cayden won the Leadership Award for displaying leadership qualities throughout his time at the Academy, demonstrating a particular penchant for the operational training.

First Year Constable Sophie Mason applied to join the QPS after graduating high school in 2022, joining the service alongside both her parents and her sister.

Today’s recruits are also eligible to receive the $20,000 towards the HECS debt for relevant tertiary study and also received the $183 fortnightly cost of living allowance on top of their training salary.

The new officers trained for approximately eight months at the Academy and will be posted to stations throughout Queensland.

There are currently 619 recruits in training across Queensland and 1,958 applicants in the recruitment pipeline.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Congratulations to our newest recruits. These 97 new police officers now embark on a mission to keep Queenslanders safe.  

“We have a commitment to bolster our Police Service and today is a demonstration of that commitment in action.

“With over 600 recruits in training, 2024 is shaping up to be one of our biggest yet.

“Queenslanders can trust that my government will continue to deliver Police the tools they need to fight crime and expand the frontline.”

Quotes attributable to Police and Community Safety Minister Ryan:

“It is an honour to witness the swearing in of almost 100 new police officers,” he said.

“It is a testament to the QPS culture that we have officers here today who are following in their families’ footsteps into a community-serving career such as becoming a police officer.

“It is this passion for community and dedication to their training which I know will benefit them well into their careers as QPS officers.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:

“I congratulate these 97 new constables on completing their training and extend a warm welcome into the QPS family,” he said.

“Policing is an incredibly important job for the community as it is also wonderfully rewarding.

“It is a privilege to witness the next generation of police.

“By swearing the oath and affirmation, you have committed to serve the people of Queensland and I know you will do so honourably.”

Quotes attributable to First Year Constable Harrison Wacker:

“I am very proud to be following in my great-grandfather’s, grandfather’s and father’s footsteps as a police officer,” he said.

“I have enjoyed learning more about my family and their rewarding careers with the QPS during my time at the academy.” 

Quotes attributable to First Year Constable Caydenn Louw:

“I joined the Queensland Police Service to give back to a community and a country that’s provided me a wealth of opportunities over my life,” he said.

“I’m most looking forward to a dynamic working life, I’m really excited to do something genuinely different.”

Quotes attributable to First Year Constable Sophie Mason:

“I found the academy an amazing opportunity for me to grow as an individual and learn how to be the positive change in the community,” she said.

“I am very eager to become part of the Blue Family, I feel privileged to be able to support those in need while gaining new experiences and knowledge.”  

This intake will be deployed to the following stations:

Media contacts 

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

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444