A pilot program being introduced by Tasmania Police will be rolled out next week as 20 recruits begin their training.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the new training model will include a new in-field mentorship program and will complement the traditional training approach.
"For the first time in Tasmania our police recruits will take part in 10 weeks of on-the-job training with a dedicated Tasmania Police mentor along with 18 weeks of Academy-based training," he said.
"The recruits will be posted to police stations across the State to begin their in-field training after first completing 16 weeks at the Academy where along with basic training they complete several units towards a Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies).
"This innovative trial will provide Tasmania Police with important guidance to inform successful recruit training into the future, which will help to boost police numbers and ensure it continues to be an employer of choice."
Minister Ellis said once the recruits graduate, this will assist with establishing the Government's commitment of a full-time Special Operations Group by July 2024, and 15 new officers for Arch Centres to support victim survivors of family and sexual violence.
"Our Government has invested more than $730 million into Tasmania Police since 2014, delivering more officers, improving and modernising facilities, and investing in specialist equipment and centres dedicated to things like special operations and family and sexual violence," Minister Ellis said.
"We're actively recruiting and training more police to be on our streets, and to keep Tasmanians safe in their communities.
"By giving trainee officers the chance to work closely with mentors we will be bolstering their ability to do the job they have trained for.
"Training to be a police officer is rigorous and we want the most highly trained, committed officers graduating from the Academy and joining the Tasmania Police ranks fully prepared for quick thinking under pressure, conflict resolution and more."
