The Crisafulli Government delivers 42 new Queensland Police officers to the front line to restore community safety
- 42 new officers graduate from the Queensland Police Service Academy in Brisbane.
- The First Year Constables will be deployed across the State including the first allocation to Thursday Island.
- There are more than 680 recruits currently in training at police academies and more than 1,970 applicants in the recruiting pipeline.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering more boots to the police frontline after 42 new officers graduated from the Queensland Police Service Academy in Brisbane today.
The officers – aged between 19 and 50 years old – will be deployed throughout Queensland from as far north as Cairns and south to Logan, and for the first time a First Year Constable will be allocated to Thursday Island.
The cohort bring experience from diverse backgrounds in engineering, health and telecommunications and from overseas in the United States, Scotland, Philippines and New Zealand.
The former Labor Government failed to support the Queensland Police frontline, with a record number of officers quitting due to burnout and frustration that serious juvenile repeat offenders were not being held to account.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering police the tools they need to restore community safety across Queensland, with police data revealing a reduction in key offences across the State since Adult Crime, Adult Time was introduced.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said these 42 new officers were just some of the hundreds in the pipeline to bolster the frontline and deliver on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to restore community safety.
"Under the former Labor Government, police were leaving in droves but now we have more and more wanting to join the brave men and women on the frontline to battle Labor's Youth Crime Crisis," Minister Purdie said.
"The Crisafulli Government supports our police and delivers on our promise to grow our police numbers be giving them the resources and tough laws they need."
Queensland Police Service Acting Commissioner, Shane Chelepy APM, congratulated the new officers on reaching this important milestone and welcomed their valuable contribution to the QPS.
"I commend our new officers for their commitment and the deep sense of duty they have shown by choosing a policing career," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
"Each of them brings fresh energy, determination to make a difference, and diverse skills and perspectives which will help both shape the future of the QPS and enhance the safety of our state."
Brisbane-born Constable Natalie Kroll was excited to start her policing journey in Central Queensland, to experience regional life in the Capricornia District and connect with new communities.
"When considering a career change, I was fascinated with the prospect of being sent anywhere around Queensland to connect with different communities and embrace new adventures, all while challenging my limits – both mentally and physically – and making a positive difference across Queensland," Constable Kroll said.
"Through my contract administration and workforce planning background, I developed strong communication skills and working under pressure, which translate well into policing, where clear thinking, accountability and teamwork are essential.
"I'm excited to bring these skills into my policing career where I can support people and help build trust and resilience in the communities I serve."
Originally from Townsville, Constable Jacob Murphy will begin his policing career on Thursday Island in the Far Northern Region – a posting he actively sought to serve in a rural community and embrace new challenges.
"I joined the QPS because I wanted to be a voice for people who cannot speak up for themselves during vulnerable moments and to be someone they can rely on when they need support," Constable Murphy said.
"To me, being in a position to be the difference in someone's life and help others in their time of need is not just a responsibility but a privilege.
"The experienced instructors, hands-on training at the academy, and the tight bond with my cohort made the experience unforgettable.
"My background as a Data Technician tradie taught me to problem-solve under pressure, build strong communication skills and discipline, and stay accountable; skills that will help me every day as I look forward to starting my role as a Queensland police officer."
