The Queensland Police Service has welcomed the state’s largest intake of new recruits in a decade, with a total of 164 new recruits ranging in age from 19 to 50 starting their training in Brisbane and Townsville this week
Commissioner Katarina Carroll joined Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan said the new recruits – the first intake for 2021 – would undertake a comprehensive training program to give them the broad range of skills and capabilities required to be a member of Queensland’s police service.
The recruits have come from previous occupations as diverse as teaching, oyster farming, animal training and general management.
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.”
