New Era for Queensland Police: Townsville Graduates

A new cohort of Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers has taken an oath to serve the people of Queensland during a graduation ceremony held in Townsville today.

The ceremony marks the culmination of eight months of intensive training at the Townsville Police Academy, which encompassed theoretical learning, operational experience and meaningful community engagement.

The new constables will now apply everything they've learned in their new careers across Queensland, with deployments including Gladstone, Mackay, Ingham, Atherton, and Townsville.

Commissioner Steve Gollschewski congratulated the new First Year Constables on their achievement, recognising their determination and resilience throughout an intensive training program.

"Our graduating officers are not only the future of policing, they will be the foundation of safer, stronger regional communities," Commissioner Gollschewski said.

"By choosing to serve in regional locations, our newest Constables will strengthen relationships that form the backbone of community confidence in policing."

Recruiting and Development Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Shane Holmes APM expressed pride in seeing such a dedicated and capable cohort of recruits graduating from the Townsville Academy.

"Today's graduating cohort set a high bar for dedication and responsiveness," Assistant Commissioner Holmes said.

"Each First Year Constable will bring their own unique experiences and motivation to their new roles and I'm excited to see the impact they will have in their communities as they progress through their careers."

First Year Constable Sasha De Git is being deployed to Gladstone. The Rockhampton mother-of-two said she pursued a career in policing to build on her experience in family law and community corrections.

"Policing is a job that brings out the best in people because there's so much room for growth and development," Constable De Git said.

"It's a rewarding feeling learning new things and then surprising yourself at what you can accomplish."

Constable Joseph McMath said graduating from the Academy has been a 'childhood dream'.

"I've always wanted to be a police officer and the amazing training at the Academy has confirmed I've chosen the right path," Constable McMath said.

Constable Will Toogood said he was drawn to policing because every day brings different experiences.

"I love how policing in Queensland can take you many places and give you the opportunity to do things and help people in ways only a small percent of the community will ever see or do," Constable Toogood said.

"The Academy has been a blast, so I'd say to anyone, no matter your age or background to give policing a try because you'll come out a better person than when you went in."

Constable Sophie Behrendorff has 'always had her sights set' on being a police officer.

"When I was five, police officers attended my kindergarten and allowed me to wear their cap and I've wanted to join ever since," Constable Behrendorff said.

"I later joined the QPS as an Administration Officer to gain exposure to multiple areas of the justice system and am now looking forward to building on my knowledge with frontline policing in the Ayr community."

"I'm doing this to hopefully be a role model for the younger generation, especially women who doubt themselves."

Their graduation marks not only the beginning of their policing careers but also a continuation of the QPS' commitment to strengthening safety, trust and connection in every community.

Front L- R: Constable Sasha De Git, Constable Ashley Ward, Constable Will Toogood.

Back L-R: Constable Sophie Behrendorff, Constable, Constable Joseph McMath, Constable Mathew Reid.

Central Region (15)

Capricornia District (11)

Mackay Whitsunday District (4)

Far Northern Region (17)

Far North District (17)

Northern Region (22)

Mount Isa District (1)

Townsville District (21)