Queensland is strengthening community safety with a major boost to its police force, as more than 1,600 new officers have been sworn in over the past 18 months to support frontline operations across the state. The milestone reflects a significant investment in policing resources aimed at enhancing public safety and response capabilities.
The latest cohort includes 61 officers who recently graduated from the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley. These recruits completed the 20-week Police Accelerated Competency Education (PACE) program, designed to fast-track experienced individuals back into operational policing roles.
In total, 1,625 officers have now joined or rejoined the Queensland Police Service during this period, including 55 former officers returning to duty. This mix of new recruits and experienced personnel brings a diverse range of skills and perspectives to the force, strengthening its ability to serve communities effectively.
Queensland Police Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing described the milestone as a significant step forward in reinforcing frontline policing. He noted that the growing workforce reflects a commitment to supporting officers and improving safety outcomes across both metropolitan and regional areas.
The newly sworn-in officers will be deployed across multiple regions, including North and South Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Townsville and Far North Queensland. Regional areas such as Mackay Whitsunday, Wide Bay Burnett and Mount Isa will also benefit, ensuring a more balanced distribution of policing resources statewide.
According to details outlined in the release, the recruits come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including policing, defence, teaching and corrections, and represent diverse age groups between 24 and 52. This diversity is seen as a key strength in reflecting and understanding the communities they serve.
The new officers are expected to begin their first postings immediately, reinforcing frontline services and supporting ongoing efforts to maintain community safety. Their deployment comes at a time when demand for policing services continues to grow across Queensland.
This expansion of the police workforce highlights a broader focus on proactive community safety, ensuring that both urban centres and regional communities are equipped with the resources needed to respond effectively and maintain public confidence.
