There are some fresh faces among the state’s police as the newest graduates join their assigned beat.
A total of 136 recruits were recently sworn in as officers at the February Queensland Police Service graduation ceremony.
These graduates boast a diverse range of experiences, including past service with the Australian Defence Force and Queensland Ambulance Service, as well as international policing backgrounds and finance industry experience.
These graduates have now been welcomed into their assigned policing regions after completing eight months of intensive training at the academy.
Within the Darling Downs region, which includes the South Burnett under a borderless policing approach, a total of 10 new first year constables will be making their rounds.
There are none specifically assigned to the South Burnett, however they will boost police forces when the big region’s borderless approach is activated to reinforce local police.
In the Darling Downs district, a first year constable has each been assigned to Gatton, Goondiwindi, Highfields, Stanthorpe, Warwick and five constables in Toowoomba.
Meanwhile in the Wide Bay Burnett District, which incorporates the North Burnett, four constables have been assigned to Bundaberg, three to Hervey Bay and one each at Maryborough and Gympie.
The recruit training involved practical and theory components, giving the newest officers skills around community safety, attending mental health related incidents, investigating and preventing domestic and family violence as well as scenario-based training.
The Commissioner of Police, Steve Gollschewski APM, said this month’s cohort sets the tone for another strong year of recruitment.
Last year there was a 36 percent increase of appointments into the service compared to 2023.
“It is great to see so many people interested in the challenging and rewarding career that the QPS offers and I’m looking forward to what 2025 will bring,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
