Police recruits at the Townsville Police Academy are undergoing intensive training to prepare them for the challenging and sometimes dangerous situations they will encounter on the job.
Today Police Minister Mark Ryan joined senior officers to observe a variety of "scenario" training exercises recruits are put through to ready them for a career in policing.
The Police Minister said the Queensland Police Service enjoys an international reputation as a world class operation for good reason.
"Our police are now better trained than ever before.
"The kind of training recruits undergo at the Townsville Academy is challenging and demanding, but it gives recruits the skills they need when they hit the streets after graduation.
"They learn how to make good decisions even when they are in highly pressured and sometimes dangerous situations.
"Today we witnessed the recruits learning the importance of being capable of making split-second decisions in what could be a life-or-death situation," the Minister said.
Townsville MP Scott Stewart said many of the recruits undergoing training at the Academy will be remaining in Townsville after graduation.
"I understand more than twenty of the recruits currently being trained will be deployed in Townsville, and I welcome that," Mr Stewart said.
The Member for Mundingburra, Coralee O'Rourke, said the new recruits were proof the government was delivering on its commitment to the people of Townsville.
"The government committed to delivering 53 extra police to Townsville and they will be here working to support community safety by 30 June," Ms O'Rourke said.
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said he was very impressed by the quality of the recruits currently undergoing training at the Townsville Academy.
"It's not easy to get into the Queensland Police Service as the standards are high.
"We have such quality recruits these days and they come from diverse backgrounds that reflect the diversity of our community.
"But regardless of their backgrounds, what every police recruit shares is a commitment to protecting the community.
"And for that we are grateful," Mr Harper said.
