On Friday, October 2, Commissioner Katarina Carroll welcomed six new Senior Protective Security Officers (SPSO) into the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
The officers, who celebrated at a socially distanced ceremony at Fred Clay Park on Palm Island, will now start their careers as SPSOs for and within Palm Island.
They are the first Indigenous group of SPSOs to serve, protect and provide security services within the Palm Island community.
Friday marked the end of a five-week training program for the officers, that was specifically designed for the community of Palm Island. The training focussed on legislative and policy frameworks, roles and responsibilities, the security environment, communication and client service, QPS culture and professional practice, and personal health and wellbeing.
The graduates will now transition from the learning environment to be sworn SPSOs with the Protective Services Group, performing duties including having legislative powers to provide security to State Government buildings and working closely with sworn QPS officers.
Commissioner Carroll said she was incredibly proud to be at the ceremony and supported the SPSOs who had an important role ahead of them as members of the Protective Services Group.
“These graduates are looking forward to making a positive contribution to the Palm Island community,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“All of the Senior Protective Security Officers can be proud of their achievements and the commitment they have made here.”
