One hundred and ten new police officers will officially embark on their new careers, after graduating from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Academy this week.
The new First Year Constables (FYC) will be deployed right across Queensland, strengthening the Service with a dynamic and diverse set of skills and backgrounds.
The cohort has backgrounds in defence, retail and professional sports, while others have studied criminology, engineering and health.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Shane Chelepy APM, welcomed the new Constables at their graduation ceremony.
"Our new officers come from a wide range of backgrounds, and each brings unique experiences that will strengthen our Service and enhance the way we support the community," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
"Starting a policing career can be both challenging and rewarding, and I know our new constables will quickly discover the positive impact they can have in people's lives.
"Building trust and working closely with communities is at the heart of policing, and I look forward to seeing these officers grow in their careers."
Growing up in a policing family in both busy city areas and small country towns, Constable Max Rutherford saw first-hand how a positive police presence can shape a community.
"Policing isn't just about enforcing the law - it's also about showing up with compassion, consistency and integrity," Constable Rutherford said.
"I saw, many times, how one officer's kindness created lasting change in a small community - that's the kind of policing I grew up with and that's the kind of policing that inspired me to be here today."
Constable Ashleigh Murray-Pretorius credits her 14 years as a professional Rugby Union referee in South Africa for her ability to manage people and remain calm under pressure.
"Seeing the pride and purpose my husband, a police officer in South Africa for 17 years before joining QPS in 2024, carried in his role showed me the positive impact policing can have, not only on individuals but on the wider community," Constable Murray-Pretorius said.
"Recruit training pushed me outside my comfort zone but also helped me grow and develop skills I didn't realise I had.
"I've always wanted a career where I can be challenged, continue to grow, and set meaningful goals for myself, and policing offers that opportunity while also allowing me to be actively involved in helping the community."
Former QPS administration officer, Constable Hannah Bridgeman, will return to the Capricornia District to work alongside officers she credits as being part of her inspiration for beginning her own policing career.
"I loved my job with the QPS but felt I had more to give and could make a more direct impact in the community," Constable Bridgeman said.
"The QPS provides endless career opportunities and progression, and I'm excited to start in General Duties and explore the possibilities available to me in the future."
During school, Constable Emma Chay thought policing was a pipedream, but after 12 years in retail and hospitality, she challenged herself to achieve her goal of a career where she could have a positive impact on people's lives.
"In 2019, I started working on my health and by 2020 I had run the Brisbane half marathon," Constable Chay said.
"That journey showed me what I was capable of and gave me the confidence to pursue policing.
"I'd encourage future applicants to challenge themselves - you might be surprised and find something you love at the same time."
There are currently more than 670 recruits in training at QPS Academies in Brisbane and Townsville and more than 1,540 applicants in the pipeline.
This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:
| Region | District | Station | Total |
| Brisbane (20) | North Brisbane (12) | Boondall | 1 |
| Brisbane City | 2 | ||
| Ferny Grove | 1 | ||
| Fortitude Valley | 2 | ||
| Hendra | 3 | ||
| Indooroopilly | 1 | ||
| Sandgate | 1 | ||
| Stafford | 1 | ||
| South Brisbane (8) | Capalaba | 1 | |
| Cleveland | 1 | ||
| Coorparoo | 2 | ||
| Holland Park | 1 | ||
| Inala | 1 | ||
| Mt Ommaney | 1 | ||
| West End | 1 | ||
| Central Region (10) | Capricornia (8) | Gladstone | 2 |
| Rockhampton | 6 | ||
| Mackay Whitsunday (2) | Mackay Northern Beaches | 1 | |
| Whitsunday | 1 | ||
| Far Northern (16) | Far North (16) | Cleveland | 1 |
| Edmonton | 4 | ||
| Innisfail | 3 | ||
| Kuranda | 1 | ||
| Mareeba | 2 | ||
| Port Douglas | 2 | ||
| Smithfield | 3 | ||
| North Coast (11) | Moreton (7) | Bribie Island | 1 |
| Burpengary | 2 | ||
| Deception bay | 1 | ||
| Mango Hill | 1 | ||
| Petrie | 1 | ||
| Redcliffe | 1 | ||
| Wide Bay Burnett (4) | Bundaberg | 2 | |
| Hervey Bay | 1 | ||
| Maryborough | 1 | ||
| Northern (19) | Mt Isa (1) | Mt Isa | 1 |
| Townsville (18) | Charters Towers | 1 | |
| Deeragun | 2 | ||
| Kirwan | 3 | ||
| Mundingburra | 4 | ||
| Stuart | 2 | ||
| Townsville | 6 | ||
| South Eastern (21) | Gold Coast (8) | Broadbeach | 1 |
| Nerang | 3 | ||
| Palm Beach | 2 | ||
| Robina | 1 | ||
| Surfers Paradise | 1 | ||
| Logan (13) | Beenleigh | 2 | |
| Browns Plains | 1 | ||
| Crestmead | 2 | ||
| Jimboomba | 1 | ||
| Logan Central | 4 | ||
| Loganholme | 1 | ||
| Logan Village | 1 | ||
| Springwood | 1 | ||
| Southern (13) | Darling Downs (6) | Gatton | 1 |
| Kingaroy | 1 | ||
| Laidley | 1 | ||
| Stanthorpe | 1 | ||
| Toowoomba | 2 | ||
| Ipswich (7) | Goodna | 1 | |
| Ipswich | 2 | ||
| Karana Downs | 1 | ||
| Lowood | 1 | ||
| Springfield | 1 | ||
| Yamanto | 1 |
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.
