Almost 100 new officers joined the Queensland Police Service after graduating from the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley today.
Acting Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski congratulated the 97 new constables on completing their training and extended a warm welcome into the QPS family.
The 97 new officers were the first recruits to swear the newly revised oath and affirmation as part of their induction, which was updated this year to emphasise the QPS’ ongoing commitment to serving the community.
Alongside the oath, the new officers were also the first to adopt the updated statement of ethics which was revised to properly reflect the QPS’ respect for human rights.
The graduating class brings with them a wealth of experience and skills from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds, as well as numerous graduating legacies.group shot First Year Constable Harrison Wacker is the fourth generation of his family to join the QPS, following in the professional footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Harrison’s great-grandfather, Harold Wacker, joined the Queensland Police in 1921, becoming second class sergeant and Officer in Charge of Aramac Police Station, before his son (Harrison’s grandfather), Mervyn Wacker swore his oath in 1948. Harrison’s father, Jon Wacker, followed the familial tradition, swearing his oath in 1979, marking the start of his own illustrious career in which he received the Australian Police Medal before his retirement at the rank of Superintendent in 2019.
Harrison said how proud he was to be following in his great-grandfather’s, grandfather’s and father’s footsteps as a police officer.
“I have enjoyed learning more about my family and their rewarding careers with the QPS during my time at the academy,” he said.
Fellow graduates Caydenn Louw and Sophie Mason are also both legacy graduates. Caydenn’s grandfather worked as a police officer in South Africa. Caydenn, who received the Leadership Award joined the Queensland Police Service to give back to a community and a country that has provided him a wealth of opportunities.
First Year Constable Sophie Mason applied to join the QPS after graduating high school in 2022, joining the Service alongside both her parents and her sister.
Sophie found the academy an amazing opportunity to grow as an individual and learn how to be the positive change in the community.
“I am very eager to become part of the Blue Family, I feel privileged to be able to support those in need while gaining new experiences and knowledge,” she said.
Today’s recruits are also eligible to receive the $20,000 towards the HECS debt for relevant tertiary study and also received the $183 fortnightly cost of living allowance on top of their training salary.
The new officers trained for approximately eight months at the Academy and will be posted to stations throughout Queensland.
There are currently 619 recruits in training across Queensland and 1,958 applicants waiting to see whether they will be accepted.
Welcome to Country
recruits in ranks
recruit signing document
smiling for the camera
recruits smiling for photos
recruit saluting
Acting Commissioner Steve Gollschewski addressed the cohort, welcoming them to the service.
“I congratulate these 98 new constables on completing their training and extend a warm welcome into the QPS family,” he said.
“Policing is an incredibly important job for the community as it is also wonderfully rewarding.
“It is a privilege to witness the next generation of police.
“By swearing the oath and affirmation, you have committed to serve the people of Queensland and I know you will do so honourably.”
This intake will be deployed to the following stations:
BRISBANE REGION
North Brisbane District
Albany Creek Station 1
Boondall Station 1
Brisbane City Station 4
Ferny Grove Station 2
Fortitude Valley Station 4
Gap Station 1
Hendra Station 2
Indooroopilly 1
Stafford 2
South Brisbane District
Capalaba Station 1
Holland Park Station 2
Inala Station 1
Moorooka Station 1
CENTRAL REGION
Capricornia District
Blackwater Station 1
Emerald Station 2
Gladstone Station 2
North Rockhampton Station 2
Mackay District
Bowen Station 1
Mackay Station 4
Moranbah Station 2
Mackay North Beaches Station 1
Sarina Station 1
Whitsunday Station 1
FAR NORTHERN REGION
Far North District
Cairn Station 7
NORTH COAST REGION
Moreton District
Bribie Island Station 1
Caboolture Station 1
Deception Bay Station 1
Mango Hill/Northlakes Station 1
Petrie Station 3
Redcliffe Station 3
Wide Bay Burnett District
Bundaberg Station 1
Gympie Station 1
Hervey Bay Station 1
Maryborough Station 1
NORTHERN REGION
Townsville District
Charters Towers Station 1
Deeragun Station 1
Kirwan Station 2
Mundingburra Station 1
Stuart Station 2
Townsville Station 2
Mt Isa District
Mt Isa Station 3
SOUTH EASTERN REGION
Gold Coast District
Coolangatta Station 1
Nerang Station 2
Pimpama Station 2
Robina Station 1
Runaway Bay Station 1
Southport Station 4
Logan District
Browns Plains Station 1
Logan Central Station 1
SOUTHERN REGION
Darling Downs District
Murgon Station 1
Warwick Station 1
Toowoomba Station 1
Ipswich District
Karana Downs Station 2
Goodna Station 1
Springfield Station 1
South West District
Chinchilla Station 1
Dalby Station 2
Roma Station 1
source:mypolice
A career within the Queensland Police Service is like no other. From protecting, responding, and investigating, to supporting, rescuing and learning – the sheer variety of roles make it both a challenging and rewarding career.
As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. Now really is the best time to join.
Visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au to kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community.
