Minister for Police Mark Ryan joined Commissioner Katarina Carroll today to induct 72 recruits into the Queensland Police Service.
The induction ceremony, held at QPS Oxley Academy's Tom Molloy Parade Ground, celebrated the end of the recruits training course before they embark on their careers as first year constables.
The 72 recruits' initial year in the service will see them take on unique policing experiences across the state with many venturing to rural stations.
Throughout their probationary period, they will rotate their allocated stations, allowing them broad exposure and opportunity to respond to a variety of policing situations.
The cohort's diversity in age and professional backgrounds serves as a reminder for those looking for a challenging and rewarding career, to consider a position within QPS.
Minister Ryan further thanked the graduates for their commitment and dedication, as he highlighted the priority of the Palaszczuk Government is delivering even better services across Queensland.
"Each will play a pivotal role in keeping our community safe and I applaud your dedication and commitment throughout your training which has set a benchmark for your policing careers.
"Policing is no easy feat and each of the recruits have been motivated by various reasons to select this career path.
"It is exciting to see a graduating class with a range of international backgrounds, including from Hong Kong, Turkey, Japan, Holland, Russia and more, representing some of the communities that are part of our beautiful state.''
Commissioner Carroll said the new recruits brought with them, a wide range of backgrounds and professional skills.
"With professional backgrounds from education and defence through to mechanics, hospitality and animal attack specialists, you each bring a unique set of skills to the service which will benefit you throughout your career."
Graduating recruit Trei Watkins, spoke of his experience during his training and what encouraged him to pursue a position within QPS.
"A career in policing has always interested me due to the challenge it offers you, the reward of helping people and the diverse range of things you may encounter in your day at work," he said.
"Every day is different from the last and that's really exciting.
"Before joining the QPS I worked in retail for six years and did warehouse work, it was very repetitive and everyday was the same.
"I've also represented Queensland in 400m hurdles; it's a very challenging event, but it's highly rewarding and QPS reminds me of that.
"Recruit training has been awesome; I've had a lot of fun.
"The facilitators are great; they really help you and push you to get to your full potential.
"The physical skills and the driver training part of the course is very testing but by far the most fun and fulfilling part of the course."
This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland, and contribute to the growth of police numbers in the state, with more than 1000 extra police now than there was in 2015.
