The Queensland Police Service (QPS) welcomed eight First Year Constables to the Townsville District today following their graduation from the Oxley Police Academy on 30 January.
The officers were selected from a cohort of 79 recruits who formed Oxley Academy's first intake of 2026.
In her official welcome, Assistant Commissioner Virginia Nelson said the arrival of the new officers represented a significant investment in community safety across North Queensland.
"These eight officers will quickly become an integral part of their stations, supporting victims, preventing crime and building trust within the community," Assistant Commissioner Nelson said.
"They have completed an intensive training program and demonstrated the resilience, integrity and commitment required to serve in a frontline role.
"Each of them brings unique life experience and professional background which strengthens our capability and reflects the diverse communities we serve and I have every confidence they will rise to the challenge and make a meaningful difference from day one."
Chief Superintendent Dean Cavanagh said the First Year Constables would be well supported as they transition from academy training into operational policing.
"Building on the strong foundation they developed during their academy training, these new officers will now undertake structured mentoring while working alongside experienced officers across general duties," Chief Superintendent Cavanagh said.
"Townsville District offers broad exposure to policing environments, from urban response to remote community engagement, which will help shape them into capable and confident officers.
"They will attend a wide range of incidents, engage with members of the public in both routine and high pressure situations and continue refining the practical and decision making skills required for operational policing.
First Year Constable Scott Rothery, who is expecting his second child later this year, said he was motivated to pursue policing after a frontline career as an emergency medical dispatcher with the Queensland Ambulance Service.
"My time as a dispatcher gave me first-hand understanding of the critical role of frontline police during some of the most challenging moments in people's lives," Constable Rothery said.
"I wanted to take the next step by supporting people face-to-face as an officer and contributing directly to community safety.
"As a father, I am conscious of the example I set for my children, given that my own father served with the Royal Australian Air Force and demonstrated a strong commitment to service.
"I hope my son, and our baby due in May, will see the same dedication in me as I continue the next step of my career at Townsville Station."
The Queensland Police Service continues to recruit throughout 2026, with further academy intakes at both Oxley and Townsville planned as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen frontline policing across the state.
The FYCs will be initially deployed to the following stations in Townsville District:
- Townsville Station - 3
- Mundingburra Station - 2
- Stuart Station - 1
- Kirwan Station - 1
- Charters Towers Station - 1
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.
