The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed nine new Protective Service Group (PSG) officers following their graduation at the QPS Academy today.
The group is the third cohort to graduate this year, after completing an intensive seven-week, full-time training program designed to equip them with the necessary skills required to meet the demands of their roles.
The new Protective Services Officers (PSOs) come from a range of professional backgrounds including health care sector, hospitality and retail, and they will be able to apply their diverse skillsets to the role, including providing critical security to Queensland's government assets and buildings.
Commander Superintendent, Keiryn Dermody Commander Superintendent of the Protective Services Group, Security and Counter-Terrorism Command congratulated the new officers on their graduation and highlighted the essential role they will play in community safety.
"Protective Services Officers are absolutely essential in safeguarding our State's important assets, by providing building security through patrols and incident management," Commander Superintendent Dermody said.
"The level of professionalism, dedication and diligence we have seen demonstrated throughout this cohort's training has been exceptional and I look forward to seeing these traits applied in their new careers."
The newly graduated PSOs will begin their operational duties at various locations, with one regional PSO returning to Townsville and the remaining eight graduates taking up operational roles within Brisbane.
New graduate PSO Charlotte Roche says she has always had an interest in crime and justice and is excited to begin her new role, citing a motivation to do something meaningful.
"After graduating high school, I was looking for something more," said PSO Roche.
"I've always had an interest in crime and justice, and I wanted to do something within that field, but being only 19, I was not ready to join the Police Service and instead, I found Protective Services and thought it would be a really beneficial role, especially for my personal growth."
PSO Roche says the training at the Academy over the past seven weeks really put her through her paces.
"The most challenging part of training for me was learning the physical skills as I have had no prior experience or any knowledge of what it was like," she said.
"However, the instructors make you feel comfortable and always give great feedback.
Looking forward to the future, PSO Roche is eager to put her new skills to use and make a meaningful contribution to Queensland's communities.
"I'm looking forward to the variety of work, where no two days are the same and being a part of a team that aims to help people, a team that genuinely wants to make a positive difference.
"For anyone looking for a role that makes a meaning contribution, the advice I would give would be to go for it.
"Even if you're unsure, it really is a great experience, and you take away a lot of things that you can put to use in your day to day."
For more information on a career in the Protective Services Group, visit protectiveservicesgroup.qld.gov.au.
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.
