One hundred thirty-six new police officers have joined the Queensland Police Service (QPS) after graduating this month, with one First-Year Constable (FYC) assigned to Caboolture.
The new recruits bring diverse experiences to the force, including backgrounds in the Australian Defence Force, Queensland Ambulance Service, international policing, and the finance sector. They completed eight and a half months of training, learning skills to help them serve the community and support fellow officers.
The training covered community safety, responding to mental health incidents, investigating and preventing domestic and family violence, and scenario-based exercises.
Commissioner’s Remarks and Recruitment Focus
Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the graduation sets a positive tone for police recruitment in 2025. He acknowledged the importance of attracting suitable candidates who share the QPS values. The Commissioner noted a 36% increase in appointments to the Service in 2024 compared to 2023, indicating a strong interest in policing as a career.
Recruit Experiences and Motivations
FYC Bing Cheng shared his personal story of being inspired to join the police after helping in a car accident. He had been working in finance, assisting people with banking security, when this incident reignited his childhood dream. He said becoming a police officer was the best way he could contribute to his community, make his children proud, and ensure their future safety. Constable Cheng expressed his desire to work on the frontline within the community.
FYC Camryn Hayden, who previously worked as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher with the Queensland Ambulance Service, said her past role provided a solid foundation for her policing career. She explained that working in emergency dispatch exposed her to high-pressure situations and critical decision-making while strengthening her passion for building relationships and serving the community.
She added that she understands the importance of interacting with people during their most vulnerable times and looks forward to expanding her impact as a police officer. Constable Hayden also spoke about the support and guidance she received from the academy facilitators, who shared their expertise and career experiences.
Deployment Across Queensland
The 136 new police officers will be deployed across Queensland. In the Brisbane region, 30 officers will be spread across the North and South Brisbane Districts. The South Eastern Region will receive 20 officers, divided between the Gold Coast and Logan Districts. The Southern Region will welcome 24 new officers, with deployments in the Darling Downs, Ipswich, and Southwest Districts.
The North Coast Region will see 19 new officers distributed across the Moreton and Wide Bay Burnett Districts. In Central Queensland, 17 officers will be deployed to the Capricornia and Mackay Districts. The Northern and Far Northern Regions will each receive 13 new officers. One of the 136 graduates has been assigned to Caboolture Station.
Published Date 10-Feb-2025
Photo Credit: Queensland Police
