The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has proudly welcomed 28 new Protective Services Officers (PSOs) to the ranks of the Protective Services Group (PSG) following their graduation at the Brisbane Academy on Friday 3 July.
Protective Services Group has welcomed 100 new PSOs this year, with the latest cohort graduating after successfully completing an intensive seven-week full-time training program that prepares them for the demands of the role.
The latest graduates will be deployed across Queensland, including Cairns, Rockhampton and Southeast Queensland, strengthening safety and security across state government precincts and critical infrastructure.
The new PSOs come from a range of professional backgrounds including policing, the Australian Defence Force and administration, bringing with them a wealth of skills and experience.
The culturally and linguistically diverse cohort reflects QPS's commitment to supporting Queensland's multicultural communities, with origins from New Zealand, India, Germany, South Africa and China, and fluency in French, Hindi and Mandarin.
Assistant Commissioner Charysse Pond congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of their contributions to the safety and security of Queensland communities.
"This graduation is a proud moment for the Protective Services Group and the Queensland Police Service as a whole," Assistant Commissioner Pond said.
"With 100 new Protective Services Officers inducted this year, we are continuing to strengthen our capability to protect the communities we serve."
"These officers bring with them a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, which will be invaluable as they work to ensure the safety and security of Queensland's people and places."
Among the graduates, PSO Aliya Gunn shared her excitement about joining PSG and contributing to the safety of her community.
"I always wanted a career where I can make a positive difference in the community while working in a professional environment," PSO Gunn said.
PSO Reilly Dickinson was honoured to receive the Leadership Award at the graduation ceremony. This prestigious award recognises a recruit who embodies the Queensland Police Service values of integrity, respect and courage, while consistently demonstrating trustworthiness, confidence and dedication.
PSO Dickinson credits the training and supportive environment at the Brisbane Academy for his success.
"The training has been an exceptional experience, learning new things each and every day. I'm looking forward to putting all the skills I've developed into practice." PSO Dickinson said.
For more information on a career in the Protective Services Group, visit protectiveservicesgroup.qld.gov.au.
