Queensland’s newest First Nations Community Protective Services Officers (PSOs) have joined the Queensland Police Service (QPS), marking an important step in empowering First Nations communities to protect and strengthen their own.

The officers completed an intensive five-week residential training program at the Townsville Police Academy, graduating with the skills and knowledge to serve their communities with confidence and dedication.

All eight graduates with three police officers and a man.

The PSOs will return to their communities including Palm Island (1), Bamaga in the Northern Peninsular Area (4), and Woorabinda (3), where they will work alongside local police to enhance the safety of First Nations peoples.

At the core of the QPS’s Protective Services Group is the belief in providing security by community, for community.

Through this unique approach, these officers play an integral role in ensuring that safety solutions are rooted in cultural understanding and local expertise.

The pilot program launched on Palm Island in 2020 and has trained 57 recruits across five First Nations communities.

A special welcome was extended to the eight newly trained First Nations Community PSOs by QPS Assistant Commissioner Charysse Pond.

Assistant Commissioner Pond highlighted the importance of cultural understanding and community connections in establishing stronger relationships between the QPS and First Nations communities.

“Queensland Police PSOs are not just part of a broader policing strategy – they are trusted members of their own communities, deeply connected to the culture and values that define them,” Assistant Commissioner Pond said.

“PSOs also play a critical role on the frontline, contributing to the security of state government buildings and assisting with emergency response efforts.”

“Their training in intelligence, incident management, and emergency response is vital for ensuring public safety across Queensland,” Assistant Commissioner Pond said.

The QPS is committed to continuing the collaboration with Aboriginal Shire Councils, ensuring that our training and programs remain culturally appropriate, adaptable, and responsive to the unique needs of our First Nations communities.

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