We recently had 89 recruits graduate at the Oxley Police Academy as First Year Constables (FYCs) starting their rewarding careers with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Amongst those 89 was an officer by the name of Ethan Hamilton.
Why does this officer get a special mention?
Well, prior to Ethan successfully being accepted into the QPS as recruit, Ethan was a Volunteer in Policing (ViP) with the Logan District, working alongside the Logan District Crime Prevention Unit.
Volunteering with the police is like dipping your toes in the water, getting a behind the scenes look at policing, to see whether you like it.
Ethan had a passion for community service, so volunteering with the QPS was a natural choice.
Throughout the selection process to become a police officer, applicants need to show that their actions, not just words, reflect QPS values. One of these values is 'community'.
Being a volunteer is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to your community.
As a ViP, Ethan assisted victims of crime, provided crime prevention information to the community, and supported local community events. He used this experience as part of his successful application to enter the academy.
Senior Constable Lou Carey from Logan Crime Prevention Unit said that working alongside Ethan as a volunteer and watching him grow through his journey at the Police Academy was a real privilege.
"Being asked to attend his graduation with his family and watching his induction as an FYC into the QPS was an absolute honour," she said.
"He is a dedicated and passionate man who wants to serve his community."
Although Ethan has now graduated and is preparing to start his policing career, Logan District is not the lucky area welcoming him back.
Ethan said he is heading north.
"It's a big move for my fiancé and I, but we are looking forward to the new adventure ahead of us in Rockhampton," he said.
"I was so nervous for my induction ceremony but cannot contain my excitement to get out there in the community as an officer".
You can learn more about volunteering with the Queensland Police Service right here.
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.
