The Queensland Government says it has fulfilled a major election promise after deploying more than 1,600 new police officers across the state in less than 18 months. The milestone was marked this week following the graduation of 61 recruits from the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley, bringing the total number of new frontline officers to 1,625.
The Queensland Government says it has fulfilled a major election promise after deploying more than 1,600 new police officers across the state in less than 18 months.
The milestone was marked this week following the graduation of 61 recruits from the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley, bringing the total number of new frontline officers to 1,625.
Premier David Crisafulli said the expanded police force would play a critical role in improving community safety and addressing crime concerns across Queensland.
"These officers are going straight to the frontline, strengthening our response and helping make communities safer," he said.
"This is a significant boost to policing capacity, and we will continue to invest in growing the service and supporting those who protect our communities."
Police Minister Dan Purdie said the new recruits were already being deployed to areas experiencing high demand, describing the intake as part of a broader strategy to rebuild frontline policing.
"These officers are joining communities that have faced increasing crime pressures in recent years," he said.
"We are committed to ensuring police have the personnel and resources they need to respond effectively and support victims."
Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing said the recruitment milestone reflected ongoing efforts to strengthen the Queensland Police Service and enhance public safety.
"This achievement reinforces our commitment to supporting frontline officers and ensuring communities across Queensland are well served," he said.
"Our newest officers bring a diverse range of skills and experiences, reflecting the communities they serve-from metropolitan centres to regional and remote areas."
The latest graduating group includes recruits aged between 24 and 52, with professional backgrounds spanning education, defence, corrections, and previous policing roles. Some have also relocated from overseas, including the United Kingdom.
The new officers have been distributed across Queensland, with the largest numbers assigned to Brisbane, Townsville, the Gold Coast and Far North Queensland. Other regions receiving additional personnel include Capricornia, Mackay-Whitsunday, Moreton, Wide Bay Burnett, and Mount Isa.
The government says the increased police presence forms part of a broader approach to community safety, combining stronger laws, early intervention initiatives and rehabilitation programs.
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