Tasmania Police is strengthening the pipeline of future prosecutors and police through a suite of practical, real-world programs that give law graduates, students and police recruits meaningful experience in court and within prosecution teams.
Southern Prosecution Inspector Brenda Orr said the initiatives were focused on attracting emerging talent, developing capability early, and encouraging long term retention within prosecution roles.
"The Prosecution Law Clerk Program was established to create a direct pathway for aspiring prosecutors," Inspector Orr said.
"The program targets law graduates and students who have not yet completed their studies, providing on the job exposure to prosecution work, court processes and file management, under supervision."
"Our focus is on creating practical, supervised pathways that give students and graduates meaningful courtroom experience and a reason to build their careers here in Tasmania."
"The program began in January 2024, and we are already seeing positive outcomes with Law Clerks successfully graduating into full time Legal Practitioner roles within Southern Prosecution."
"Others have transitioned into legal roles elsewhere or pursued different legal career paths, which we also see as a positive as it's broadening the profession's overall capability."
"To help sustain a consistent talent pipeline we are engaging closely with the University of Tasmania to supervise court practicals and provide trainee work experience, and we are also participating in recruitment days and networking events."
"The aim is to ensure graduates can see a clear, supported pathway into prosecution and related legal roles within government."
"As well as the Law Clerk Program, we are also introducing police recruits to foundational prosecution and court skills much earlier in their career pathways, and in a practical way," Inspector Orr said.
"We are bringing the recruits in to learn about file completion, requirements of evidence, points of proof and the handling of body worn camera footage and recorded interviews so they know how to properly lodge a complaint and complete the required filing."
"We then move them into court alongside a prosecutor, and with the court's permission, they sit at the bar table, read out facts, provide advice to the court under supervision and tender documentation."
"This hands-on learning reinforces the importance of good file preparation, exposes recruits to how evidence is presented and tendered, and builds confidence in court etiquette."
"By giving people meaningful experience, we're building a prosecution workforce that is skilled, confident and ready to meet the demands of modern policing."
