Regional Queenslanders who join the Queensland Police Service (QPS) will be guaranteed a posting closer to home – and even be able to bring a mate – as part of two new initiatives announced during Police Recruitment’s Week of Action.
The Regional Guarantee is designed to provide greater certainty for regional applicants who want to work closer to home, while Join with a Mate offers friends who sign up together the opportunity to train and then work together in the same district in regional Queensland.
Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly said the initiatives are designed to encourage more people to consider a career as a Queensland Police officer.
“Both the Regional Guarantee and Join with a Mate will help new recruits feel more supported and confident from day one. These initiatives will also strengthen communities in regional and remote parts of Queensland,” Mr Kelly said.
“Local knowledge is invaluable in policing. Officers who are already part of their communities are better placed to build trust, understand local issues and strengthen community connections.
“The Regional Guarantee means recruits can start their policing careers in their home region, where they can access existing support networks.”
Recruit Luke Hauff, who will graduate from the Oxley Academy this week, is heading back to the Darling Downs where he grew up.
“It’s been difficult to be away from my family and friends during my eight months at the academy but knowing I’ll be heading home soon as a First Year Constable has been a great incentive to work hard and succeed in my training,“ Recruit Hauff said.
“Knowing that I can make a positive difference in my own community is also incredibly rewarding and to have my support network nearby is a real benefit.
“The Regional Guarantee will be a huge drawcard. It’s great to be able to take all the knowledge and skills I’ve learned at the academy and apply them to help my community back home.”
Deputy Commissioner Kelly said regional policing, particularly in remote communities, can be extremely rewarding.
“Regional policing provides a diverse range of experiences. We encourage all our new officers to spend a period of their career in a regional area to expand their knowledge and skillset,” Deputy Commissioner Kelly said.
“You can attend anything from family and community matters to serious incidents, traffic crashes and complex investigations, often within the same shift.
“You also have the chance to build strong relationships with the local community and see the impact of your work firsthand.”
Similarly, Join with a Mate enables recruits to share their journey with a friend, who can provide reassurance and support as they progress through training and into their first posting.
Each applicant must independently progress through and successfully complete the recruitment selection process, nominating their mates along the way.
QPS will work to align the applicants requests for Academy intakes together and subsequent district or region allocations, following graduation.
Constables Brooke Radel and Lachlan Jones completed their recruit training together in May this year and were both deployed to North Brisbane District.
“Choosing to become a police officer is an incredible decision to make and the vital role we play in community safety is heavily emphasised throughout the training,” said Constable Radel.
“Undertaking the course alongside a friend keeps you buoyed throughout the experience as you can push each other to give every day your absolute most, as well as having that support on the more challenging days, particularly for those who might be far from home.”
If you’re ready to serve your local community and make a difference in people’s lives, apply today at policerecruit.qld.gov.au
