Commissioner Ian Stewart today welcomed 76 new police officers and eight new police dogs (PDs) to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) after a graduation ceremony was held at the Queensland Police Service Academy at Oxley.
Graduating as First Year Constables (FYC), the new officers have completed 25 weeks of intensive training, preparing them for their new roles serving the community.
The recruit training program aims to provide recruits with a high-quality foundation, so they can deliver an excellent level of service to the community and ensure their policing skills have developed to a level necessary for operational policing, under supervision.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said police perform a vital role in the maintenance of law and order, and public safety.
"On behalf of the communities and Government of Queensland, I am grateful for the 76 FYCs who have accepted this responsibility today.
"They will help to create a safe environment for residents and visitors, working in partnership with local communities and other government agencies around Queensland.
"First Year Constables breathe new life into the Service with their unique experiences and enthusiasm.
"I would like to acknowledge the education and support services provided by the QPS People Capability Command and wish the 76 FYCs good luck as they embark on their careers," the Minister said.
Commissioner Stewart congratulated the FYCs on their graduation and announced they would commence their careers in the Brisbane, South Eastern, Central and Southern regions.
"These allocations are based on the resources, needs and requirements of the Service. We have allocated 31 FYCs to the Brisbane Region, 10 to the South Eastern Region, 14 to the Central Region and 21 to the Southern Region," Commissioner Stewart said.
"I remember my induction well and I hope this afternoon’s ceremony is a memory each FYC carries with them throughout a successful career in the QPS.
"The role of a police officer is like no other – responsible for the safety and security of Queensland. There is no doubt each of these new officers will experience some challenging situations, however there will also be many rewarding and humbling times.
"I wish luck to every officer in their career and feel confident they will uphold the values expected of a police officer in Queensland."
Also inducted during this afternoon’s ceremony, were eight recruit dogs who have now finished their operational police dog training and will be deployed as Police Dogs (PDs).
PD Fantom and his handler Sergeant Dave Sampson will perform general purpose duties in the Logan Dog Squad along with general purpose PD Digger and his handler Senior Constable Sam Mosey of the Gold Coast Dog Squad.
General purpose PD Asad with handler Sergeant Anthony Chiverall and drug detection PD Riggs with handler Sergeant Warren Gates will join the Brisbane Dog Squad.
Famously named after Brisbane boxer Jeff Horn, PD Hornet will join his handler Senior Constable Matt Bastin in the Mackay Dog Squad performing general purpose duties.
From the G litter, which was named by the public in 2017, PD Gator with his handler Senior Constable Tim Leybourne will begin general purpose duties with the Moreton Dog Squad and PD Gilly will commence duties with his handler Constable Joel Davidson in the Mount Isa Dog Squad.
Rounding out the eight new PDs is PD Stinger who will begin general purpose duties with his handler, Senior Constable Matt McKinnar in the Bundaberg Dog Squad.
