A former paramedic, an ex-truck driver, and a disability support worker are among the 25 new police officers who graduated today from the Tasmania Police Academy.
Ranging in age from 19 to 50, the 15 men and 10 women bring various experiences to policing, but all now share the common goal of keeping the public safe and serving their Tasmanian communities.
Commissioner Donna Adams and Acting Commander Education and Training Vanessa Castle were among senior officers in attendance at the police academy at Rokeby to congratulate the new constables on their achievements.
Recruits will be assigned to Burnie, Devonport, Launceston, Hobart, Bellerive and Bridgewater stations.
Constable Claire Eaton, of Hobart, and Constable Patrick Denny, also of Hobart, have been awarded the dux of course and runner-up dux of course, respectively.
Acting Commander Castle said the new officers had worked hard over a 28-week training course and were ready to begin serving the community.
"I congratulate all our recruits on their graduation. While they should be justly proud of their efforts so far, this is just the start of their journey with Tasmania Police," Acting Commander Castle said.
"Our recruits are stepping into roles which are anything but ordinary, with each shift offering a new opportunity to serve and engage with our communities."
The police constables bring a range of past career and life experiences to their new roles.
Dux of the course Constable Eaton, 24, is starting her policing career after previously studying in Canberra and working as a soccer referee. She will be station at Bridgewater.
Runner-up dux of course Constable Denny, 25, previously worked as a radio dispatch officer with Queensland Police. He will be stationed at Hobart.
Constable Eaton said she was excited by the opportunities ahead and thanked the support of her recruits over the 28-week course.
"I've always been really passionate about giving back and getting involved in the community and when I started considering the idea of police, it just felt right," Constable Eaton said.
"I love nature and the cold, so what could be a better choice than Tassie."
"I am really excited to see where my career goes with Tasmania Police and I am looking forward to learning the job and just getting stuck in."
Also graduating on Friday was Lynda Deverell, 46, of Burnie.
Constable Deverell, whose husband is a serving police officer in the Western district, previously had a 25-year career as a registered nurse. She will be stationed at Burnie.
"I just woke up one morning and I said to my husband 'I just want a career that is new and exciting'," Constable Deverell said.
"My husband is a career police officer, he's been in the force 25 years. I just really respect the role, I wanted to see what he did, and I haven't looked back. I'm really excited to take on this journey."
Friday's ceremony marked the fourth graduating class of new constables in 2025, with 22 constables graduating in January, 15 constables in April, and 30 in July.
Acting Commander Castle said policing was a dynamic and rewarding career and encouraged people interested in becoming a Tasmania Police officer to take the next step.
For more information about Tasmania Police recruitment, visit https://recruitment.police.tas.gov.au/
