What’s happening?
Sixteen new First Year Constables (FYCs) have spent their first two weeks on the beat in Townsville District. The cohort of nine male officers and seven female officers began their first shifts in Townsville on Monday, 4 August after graduating from Oxley Police Academy on 24 July. The officers range in age from 19 years old to 35.
Why it matters
The new constables are the latest recruits to join the Queensland Police Service, providing additional support to experienced officers while strengthening frontline policing in Townsville District.
Local Impact
The 16 officers have been stationed across the district at Kirwan (4), Townsville (6), Stuart (1), Deeragun (1), Ingham (2), and Mundingburra (2). During their first year, they will attend a range of calls for service, work with mentors, and develop practical skills on the job while applying their training.
By the numbers
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16 officers began duties on 4 August after graduating on 24 July.
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9 male and 7 female officers, aged 19 to 35, make up the group.
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6 officers are based in Townsville, with others stationed at Kirwan, Stuart, Deeragun, Ingham, and Mundingburra.
Zoom In
First Year Constable Tiarna McLeod, stationed at Mundingburra, said she has attended a wide range of jobs in her first two weeks. “General duties has been a great experience so far.
I joined the Queensland Police Service (QPS) because I wanted a challenge. I originally went through uni and realised it wasn’t for me. QPS was always a pathway I had in mind, and I said I’m going to try it out, and I did, and I haven’t regretted a single decision,” Constable McLeod said.
McLeod studied a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science in her first year of university and criminology in her second year. She worked two jobs while studying, including managing a bakery. She said her time at Oxley Police Academy was motivating because of the shared passion among recruits.
Originally from Rochedale South in Brisbane, this is her first time in Townsville. She is enjoying her time in the city and plans to visit Cairns and the Whitsundays.
Zoom Out
Townsville Patrol Group Inspector Todd Noble said the district is excited to welcome the new FYCs.
“A career in policing provides amazing opportunities to travel the state, engage with people from all walks of life and pursue a wide range of specialist jobs within the QPS. These 16 new officers will spend their first year of policing in Townsville District, working with experienced officers to keep our community safe. Policing is an important and rewarding career that offers a range of specialist options after these officers finish their three years as constables. During their first year, the officers will be supported by a mentor and attend a range of calls for service and apply their training while developing on-the-job skills,” Insp Noble said.
What to look for next
These 16 constables will spend their first year in Townsville District as they gain experience and begin building their careers in the Queensland Police Service.
