The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is throwing open the doors of its North Queensland Academy, inviting locals to look behind the badge and discover the diverse and rewarding pathways a career in policing has to offer.
The Academy at Belgian Gardens in Townsville will be open between 9am-2pm on Saturday, August 2, with more than 800 people expected to check-out more than 30 of the different specialist units on display.
Those units include POLAIR, Dog Squad, Rural and Stock Crime Squad, Scenes of Crime and Water Police, where officers from each team will make themselves available to answer questions about what it's like working in their unit.
Attendees will also be able to learn about the various pathways through which they can pursue a policing career by listening to current recruits speak about life at the academy in a series of Q&A seminars.
Deputy Commissioner Cameron Harsley said Open Day gives people a chance to speak with officers, see some of the essential equipment and get a better understanding about the job.
"Open Day is a great opportunity for the community to step into our world, see the diverse roles within the QPS and imagine where a policing career could take them, whether that's in Townsville or across the state," Deputy Commissioner Harsley said.
"We've seen strong numbers of new officers entering the Service over the past 18 months, and many of them are returning to their hometowns with invaluable connections and local knowledge.
"Our investment in regional training is about building a Service that reflects and understands the diversity and complexity of Queensland."
There are currently more than 1,800 applicants in the recruitment pipeline, and more than 680 recruits undergoing training at QPS academies in Brisbane and Townsville.
Acting Assistant Commissioner for Northern Region Graeme Paine said the opportunities for First Year Constables in regional areas such as Townsville are fantastic for career progression.
"Strengthening policing in North Queensland starts with supporting the development of officers in the communities they will serve," Acting Assistant Commissioner Paine said.
Acting Superintendent Felix Faria of Recruit and Constable Training said Open Day was an exciting day for the QPS to connect with the community while showcasing the Service's capabilities.
"Open Day is an invitation for the community to engage, learn and be inspired by the wide range of career pathways in the QPS," Acting Superintendent Faria said.
"We're proud to welcome people to this academy as it plays a vital role in shaping officers who understand the dynamics of North Queensland, and who are ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities".
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.
