Queensland Police Welcomes Seasoned Recruits

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed 59 new recruits into its ranks, each bringing valuable policing experience from interstate and international jurisdictions.

Graduating from the 20-week Police Accelerated Competency Education (PACE) program, the new constables will join frontline officers across Queensland, bolstering the Service's commitment to keep Queensland communities safe.

The graduates come from diverse backgrounds, with experience spanning across Australia and internationally, including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

They bring a wealth of frontline policing skills including General Duties, Tactical Response and specialised evidence gathering.

Commissioner of Police, Steve Gollschewski APM, welcomed the new constables, highlighting the vital role they will play in supporting frontline operations.

"These officers bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives that will enhance the Service's ability to respond to the evolving needs of Queensland communities," Commissioner Gollschewski said.

"Transitioning into a new policing environment is no small feat, and these recruits have shown exceptional commitment in embracing their training and are eager to get back to doing what they love.

"Their ability to integrate their prior experience with the QPS values and approach to policing is a testament to their professionalism and passion for keeping people safe."

Recruits march onto Sacred Acre
Commissioner Steve Gollschewski addresses graduating recruits
Queensland police PACE recruits at graduation parade
Acting Assistant Commissioner Renee Kurtz and Chaplain Artie Shepherd honour a fallen officer

After a decade with West Mercia Police in England, Constable Shaun Biddulph brings a wealth of policing experience including working on major crime investigations, high-risk operations, and providing security for global events like the G7 Summit and the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

"I've had some great years in British policing gaining skills like surveillance, advanced driving, pursuit training, and disaster victim identification. These experiences have shaped me as an officer and prepared me to tackle complex challenges," Constable Biddulph said.

"I was drawn to Queensland for the lifestyle and abundance of opportunities and experiences for my wife and children to prosper, and we've felt so welcomed since moving here.

"General duties are the backbone of policing, where you're often supporting the most vulnerable during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I'm looking forward to giving back to the Queensland community and making a positive difference."

Constable Nina Maisiri brings extensive frontline experience as a New Zealand Police officer and was drawn to Queensland's warm weather, having new places to explore and plenty of career opportunities.

"I love the dynamic environment of General Duties - every day is different, and that's what keeps me passionate about the job," Constable Maisiri said.

"Policing is about people, whether someone needs help or needs to be held accountable, and being able to effectively communicate is such an underrated skill that's helped me navigate a lot of tough situations.

"When I made my first visit to Cairns recently, stepping off the plane felt like being back home in Fiji where I was born - that's when I knew I'd made the right decision, and I'm so excited to be heading there to meet my team and work within the community."

With 15 years of experience in both General Duties and Tactical Crime in the New Zealand Police, Constable Wayne Lawrence honed his skills working in small, rural communities facing unique challenges.

"I've worked in several small townships where gang influences and socio-economic challenges are deeply entrenched, so building strong relationships within these communities was key to breaking down barriers and preventing crime," Constable Lawrence said.

"Queensland has always appealed to me, especially with my wife's family already here and the lifestyle it offers.

"When I first moved, I decided to try something different and worked outside policing for a while.

"But after eight months, I realised my passion for policing was still there, and I'm looking forward to getting back into working within the community and making a change."

Constable Nina Maisiri
Constable Wayne Lawrence
Constable Shaun Biddulph
Recruits celebrate graduation as Queensland police constables

The recruits will now be deployed to stations across the state, where they will work alongside their QPS colleagues to uphold the highest standards of policing and community engagement.

The QPS remains committed to attracting and retaining skilled officers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring the Service is well-equipped to meet the needs of Queensland's growing and dynamic population.

This intake of FYCs will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:

RegionDistrictStationTotal
Brisbane (25)North Brisbane (13)Albany Creek1
Boondall1
Brisbane City1
Ferny Grove2
Fortitude Valley3
Hendra4
Stafford1
South Brisbane (12)Cleveland3
Coorparoo1
Dutton Park1
Holland Park1
Inala3
Moorooka1
Upper Mount Gravatt1
West End1
Central Region (1)Capricornia (1)Rockhampton1
Far Northern (4)Far North (4)Cairns2
Edmonton1
Mareeba1
North Coast (14)Moreton (9)Burpengary3
Caboolture2
Deception bay1
Petrie2
Redcliffe1
Wide Bay Burnett (5)Gympie1
Hervey Bay1
Maryborough3
Northern (3)Mt Isa (1)Mt Isa1
Townsville (2)Kirwan2
South Eastern (12)Gold Coast (6)Broadbeach1
Coomera1
Pimpama1
Robina1
Southport1
Upper Mount Gravatt1
Logan (6)Beenleigh1
Browns Plains1
Crestmead1
Jimboomba1
Logan Central1
Loganholme1

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.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.