Queensland Police Service (QPS) has proudly welcomed 12 new Protective Services Officers (PSOs) to its ranks, ready to play a vital role in safeguarding communities across Queensland.
The newly minted officers will boost security at key government sites including state government buildings, courthouses, schools, and public transport infrastructure while working closely alongside QPS officers.
Bringing experience from professional careers like support work, retail, fitness, private security and policing, the PSOs will take up key roles across the state including static guarding, mobile patrols, alarm monitoring, security consultancy and risk assessment.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Shane Chelepy APM, congratulated the new PSOs, highlighting the key experience and cultural understanding they bring to QPS' Protective Services Group.
"The diversity and expertise this group of PSOs brings to the QPS reinforces our commitment to keeping Queensland safe," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
"Each member brings fresh energy and a clear determination to make a meaningful difference in their new roles.
"Becoming a PSO is a rewarding career path, offering the opportunity to play a vital role in protecting Queensland's people and places."
Taiwan-born and New Zealand-bred Chuan-Yao (Peter) Lin said it was a dream come true to graduate as a PSO as it has enabled him to pursue his law enforcement career goal.
Following a 15-year-career in retail and car sales, PSO Lin was grateful to be accepted into the PSO recruit training program and looks forward to continuing to develop his real-world skills in his South Brisbane deployment.
"As a young kid, I always wanted to work in a law enforcement role to make a positive difference in the community as I always looked up to law enforcement officers as real life superheroes,'' PSO Lin said.
"A PSO career is highly fulfilling if you're driven to serve the community, thrive under pressure and be part of a respected and professional team.
"I'm very excited to apply the new skills and knowledge I have learnt during my time at the academy.''
New Zealand-born PSO Geoffrey-Walter Coombs is embracing his new community-focused career and his Sunshine Coast deployment, following more than a decade as a private security officer.
"I want to help make Queensland a safer place, and to have a more fulfilling role,'' PSO Coombs said.
"If you're thinking about a career as a PSO, just go for it, put your application in, and give it a go. The training is very informative, fun, very challenging and exciting.''
Protective Services recruits go through a seven-week training program at the QPS Academy in Brisbane before being deployed across Queensland.
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.
