Townsville Academy Hails New Cops

A new batch of police officers from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) celebrated their graduation today at the Townsville Police Academy, marking the start of their careers with a commitment to uphold safety and trust in communities across Queensland. The ceremony highlighted their eight months of rigorous training, which included theoretical classes, practical operations, and community interaction.

Commissioner Steve Gollschewski congratulated the newly graduated First Year Constables, praising their resilience and dedication throughout the challenging program. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of their roles in fortifying community relations, especially in regional areas where they will soon be stationed, including Gladstone, Mackay, Ingham, Atherton, and Townsville.

In addition to the Commissioner, Acting Assistant Commissioner Shane Holmes, of the Recruiting and Development Command, expressed pride in the graduates. He noted their exceptional commitment and readiness to serve, which he believes sets a high standard for future recruits. Among the graduates, Constable Sasha De Git from Rockhampton, mother of two and former family law professional, shared her motivation for joining the force was to contribute significantly to community safety and personal development.

The graduates also shared personal anecdotes about their aspirations and experiences at the academy, which not only trained them for policing duties but also confirmed their passions for the career. Constable Will Toogood expressed enthusiasm for the dynamic nature of policing work, while Constable Sophie Behrendorff recalled a childhood experience that inspired her lifelong goal to join the force.

This graduation not only signifies a personal milestone for these new officers but also reflects the ongoing commitment of the QPS to enhance the effectiveness and community trust in the police force across Queensland.