The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed a record-breaking 137 new police officers following their graduation from the QPS Academy in Brisbane today.
The milestone marks the largest group of recruits to graduate in 26 years, signifying a substantial boost to the Service's frontline resources and commitment to keeping the Queensland community safe.
Commissioner Steve Gollschewski extended a warm welcome to the 137 new First Year Constables (FYCs).
"These new officers bring a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives that will further strengthen our ability to meet the evolving needs of our community," Commissioner Gollschewski said.
"They are joining a team of dedicated and exceptionally skilled professionals committed to keeping the community safe as well as feel safe.
"The graduation represents a momentous occasion for the Queensland Police Service and the communities we serve.
"I wish each of them the best, as they embark on an extraordinary career."
The cohort of graduates brings various transferrable skills and professional backgrounds to the Service, including defence and emergency services, skilled trades, education, and customer service.
Several current and former police officers were among the proud family members who gathered to celebrate these new FYCs, watching their loved ones embark on their own policing careers.
Graduation day was not only special for new First Year Constable Sarah Harmer but also for her husband, Senior Sergeant Ryan Harmer, who was sworn in on the same date 18 years ago, following in the steps of his father, who graduated on the same parade ground in 1978.
"I was looking for a career change that offered something different every day, where I could interact with the community but also feel a sense of accomplishment," Constable Harmer said.
"I have learned a lot about myself through the various stages of training, immersing myself in study and pushing myself through new situations where I experienced both fear and adrenaline.
"Throughout training, I felt supported by knowledgeable instructors, each with unique experiences and insights on being a police officer.
"I am looking forward to returning to my hometown of Warwick to start my policing career in a community I love."
FYC Gareth Edwards, who will be deployed to Mudgeeraba, is proud to follow in the footsteps of his father, a serving Queensland police officer based in Emerald.
A skilled sheet metal fabricator from Logan, FYC Edwards decided he wanted to do more with his career and make a difference within the community by carrying on his father and grandfather's legacy in law enforcement.
"The training experience has been very rewarding, and I have formed lifelong bonds with my colleagues that I know will last throughout our careers," Constable Edwards said.
"What we have learnt at the academy has already impacted the way I see everyday life and helped me recognise the ways that I can help people."
FYC Lachlan MacDonald credits his pursuit of contributing to our juridical and justice system to the great role models he had while completing his Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies degree and working within the Courts.
"I value the opportunities for diverse career paths that QPS offers and know that every day in a policing career will be different from the last," Constable MacDonald said.
"I found the most rewarding part of this training experience to be immersing myself in such a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, opinions, strengths, and weaknesses who all share very similar values and goals."
The newest graduates completed the eight-month Recruit Training Program, undergoing extensive training in physical skills, driving, firearms and field craft.
The QPS supports recruits with a training salary and cost of living bonus. Additionally, graduates with relevant tertiary degrees may be eligible to have up to $20,000 paid off their HECS debts.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said it was an honour to welcome these 137 new First Year Constables as they begin their rewarding new careers, and he commended them for their commitment.
"This is the largest intake to be inducted into the Queensland Police Service in 26 years, strengthening the frontline as well as our commitment to keeping the Queensland community safe," Minister Ryan said.
"I encourage anyone considering a policing career to start now, as there has never been a better time with the incentives currently available to support recruits through their training."
There are currently 546 recruits training at QPS Academies in Brisbane and Townsville, with a further 2,274 applicants in the recruiting pipeline.
The Service's newest police officers will be deployed across Queensland, where they will receive further training and development on the job over the next 12 months through the First Year Constable program.
If you're seeking a challenging and rewarding career, visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au.
This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:
CENTRAL REGION
Capricornia District
Gladstone Station 5
Rockhampton Station 3
Nth Rockhampton Station 2
Mackay District
Moranbah Station 1
Mackay Station 4
Northern Beaches Station 2
Sarina Station 1
FAR NORTHERN REGION
Far North District
Cairns Station 11
NORTH COAST REGION
Moreton District
Burpengary Station 2
Petrie Station 2
Caboolture Station 2
Deception Bay Station 2
Mango Hill/Nth Lakes Station 2
Redcliffe Station 3
Woodford Station 1
Wide Bay Burnett District
Maryborough Station 1
Gympie 1
NORTHERN REGION
Townsville District
Deeragaun Station 1
Kirwan Station 6
Stuart Station 1
Townsville Station 4
Mundingburra Station 2
Mt Isa District
Mt Isa Station 1
SOUTHERN REGION
Darling Downs District
Gatton Station 1
Kingaroy Station 1
Stanthorpe Station 1
Toowoomba Station 4
Warwick Station 1
Ipswich District
Goodna Station 4
Ipswich Station 3
South West District
Dalby Station 1
Chinchilla 1
SOUTH EASTERN REGION
Gold Coast District
Broadbeach Station 1
Mudgeeraba Station 2
Robina Station 2
Nerang Station 2
Runaway Bay Station 1
Pimpama 1
Logan District
Browns Plains Station 1
Crestmead Station 2
Jimboomba Station 2
Logan Central Station 3
Loganholme Station 1
Beaudesert Station 1
Springwood Station 1
BRISBANE REGION
North Brisbane District
Albany Creek Station 1
Boondall Station 3
Brisbane City Station 4
Ferny Grove Station 3
Fortitude Valley Station 5
Hendra Station 4
Stafford Station 2
South Brisbane District
Acacia Ridge Station 3
Annerley Station 1
Capalaba Station 3
Holland Park Station 1
Inala Station 4
Mt Ommaney Station 1
West End Station 2
Wynnum Station 3
A career within the Queensland Police Service is like no other. From protecting, responding, and investigating, to supporting, rescuing and learning – the sheer variety of roles make it both a challenging and rewarding career.
As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. Now really is the best time to join.
Visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au to kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community.
