Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius has commenced pre-retirement leave after a distinguished 42-year career with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Assistant Commissioner Schafferius was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Far Northern Region in July 2018.
During his service, Assistant Commissioner Schafferius oversaw major crime operations, disaster management responses, cultural changes and leaves a legacy of outstanding leadership and strong community connections.
Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said the highlight of his riveting career has been working with incredible people in the Far North.
"Looking back on my service, I am incredibly proud of the work done by officers and staff in this region, most of which goes unnoticed by the public," Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.
"From my early days in the Cairns Drug Squad and Mareeba Criminal Investigation Branch, my fondest memories have been serving the wonderful communities in the Far North."
"I am leaving the service proudly, with a smile on my face and confident that policing and community safety in the Far North is in safe hands."
"I wish my colleagues and their families long, happy, and healthy futures."
Farwell Sir, thank you for your service and enjoy your well-earned retirement.
Assistant Commissioner Schafferius' service history
After being sworn into the QPS in July 1985, Assistant Commissioner Schafferius was appointed as a constable in Townsville before being transferred to Wynnum.
He spent time as an investigator at the Chandler Juvenile Aid Bureau before serving in the Cairns Drug Squad and the Mareeba Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) as a Detective Senior Constable.
He was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant in 1998 and was the team leader of the Cairns Drug Squad and later the Officer in Charge of the Mareeba CIB.
In 2000, he was promoted to Detective Senior Sergeant and spent time at the State Drug Investigation Group in the State Crime Operations Command, before becoming the Officer in Charge of the Ipswich Police Station.
As an Inspector, he spent time providing support to the Southern Regional Assistant Commissioner, before becoming the Toowoomba District Inspector and then Detective Inspector.
In 2011 he was prompted to Superintendent and served as the District Officer of the Brisbane Central District.
Following the QPS restructure in 2013, he served as the Assistant District Officer in the Far North.
Before being appointed Assistant Commissioner, he served as the Chief Superintendent, District Officer of the Far North District.
A career with the Queensland Police Service offers diverse roles, unique challenges, and the chance to make a real difference every day. From emergency response and crime prevention to community engagement and public safety, no two days are ever the same.
From our bustling cities to remote towns and pristine coastline, policing in Queensland offers a career and lifestyle as diverse as the communities you'll serve.
Looking for a career that stands for more? Stand with us in a challenging and rewarding career. Visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au to apply now.
