The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed 53 new officers with policing backgrounds following their graduation from the QPS Academy in Brisbane.
Each officer brings valuable frontline policing experience from Australian and international jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom (UK), New Zealand, the United States, and Germany.
Over 20 weeks, the cohort completed the Police Abridged Competency Education (PACE) program, enhancing their skills and knowledge while developing their expertise within the QPS.
Their dedication highlights QPS’s commitment to recruiting skilled officers to enhance community safety and strengthen frontline policing.
The QPS supports successful PACE graduates with a $20,000 relocation incentive to assist with their move to Queensland and offers higher pay based on their previous policing experience.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Shane Chelepy APM, welcomed the new officers and acknowledged the diverse experience they bring to bolster policing efforts across Queensland.
“Our newest officers are ready to hit the ground running with a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives that will benefit both their colleagues and the communities they serve,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
“Their decision to join the QPS reflects Queensland’s appeal as a place to live and work, as well as the rewarding career opportunities the QPS offers.
“I am proud to welcome them as they continue the next chapter of their policing career serving our state and providing vital frontline support as they deploy from the South East to the Far North.”
Constable Darren Taylor brings 26 years of experience with the UK’s Merseyside Police, having served in several specialist roles, most recently as a Detective Inspector.
“Helping people and serving my community is a big part of why I became a police officer, so I’m looking forward to engaging with the community face-to-face; there’s no better feeling,” Constable Taylor said.
“Moving from the UK to Australia is a big decision for anyone, so QPS’s relocation support made it easier for my family to embrace Queensland’s unique opportunities and incredible lifestyle.”
Constable Manea Poa brings extensive frontline experience as a New Zealand Police officer when she commences duties serving the Gold Coast community.
“Queensland is a beautiful place, and life here presents a wealth of opportunities, not just for my career development, but for my children’s future as well,” Constable Poa said.
“Being a police officer certainly comes with challenges but overcoming them is incredibly rewarding.
“I take pride in my role and enjoy being a positive role model, and I’m excited to bring my experience to serving my community.”
This intake of First Year Constables will be deployed throughout Queensland in the following stations:
| Region | District | Station | Total |
| Brisbane (19) | North Brisbane (8) | Albany Creek | 1 |
| Boondall | 1 | ||
| Ferny Grove | 2 | ||
| Hendra | 1 | ||
| Indooroopilly | 1 | ||
| Sandgate | 1 | ||
| Stafford | 1 | ||
| South Brisbane (11) | Annerley | 2 | |
| Calamvale | 1 | ||
| Capalaba | 2 | ||
| Cleveland | 2 | ||
| Moorooka | 1 | ||
| Mt Ommaney | 1 | ||
| Upper Mount Gravatt | 2 | ||
| Central Region (2) | Capricornia (1) | North Rockhampton | 1 |
| Mackay (1) | Sarina | 1 | |
| Far Northern (7) | Far North (7) | Cairns | 4 |
| Edmonton | 1 | ||
| Innisfail | 1 | ||
| Mareeba | 1 | ||
| North Coast (5) | Moreton (2) | Burpengary | 1 |
| Caboolture | 1 | ||
| Wide Bay Burnett (3) | Bundaberg | 1 | |
| Hervey Bay | 2 | ||
| Northern (1) | Townsville (1) | Kirwan | 1 |
| South Eastern (13) | Gold Coast (9) | Broadbeach | 1 |
| Coomera | 1 | ||
| Nerang | 2 | ||
| Robina | 1 | ||
| Southport | 3 | ||
| Surfers Paradise | 1 | ||
| Logan (4) | Browns Plains | 1 | |
| Crestmead | 1 | ||
| Jimboomba | 1 | ||
| Loganholme | 1 | ||
| Southern (6) | Darling Downs (2) | Toowoomba | 2 |
| Ipswich (2) | Goodna | 1 | |
| Springfield | 1 | ||
| Southwest District (2) | Miles | 1 | |
| Roma | 1 |
