The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has reached a significant milestone by welcoming five new Police Dog (PD) teams into its ranks, growing its frontline canine capability to the largest ever, in the state’s history.
After graduating at a ceremony at Brisbane Dog Squad recently, PDs Hooper, Jero, Xero, Bruno and Izzy and their handlers have been deployed across Moreton, Rockhampton and Townsville, strengthening QPS frontline operations in regional areas.
Established in 1972, the QPS now boasts a strong canine capability consisting of 95 handlers and 115 police dogs in 15 locations across the state, including general-purpose dogs, specialist detection dogs, and tactical working dogs.
While most of the PD graduates are filling existing positions, the growth of the frontline canine and handler positions reached a record number with the establishment of one new handler and general-purpose police dog role within Rockhampton.
The graduating cohort joins the highly skilled statewide capability after having successfully completed the challenging 12-week training program.
The intensive course is designed to equip both the dogs and handlers with the skills needed in their general duties including searches, offender tracking and apprehension.
In recognition of the start of their QPS careers with Dog Squad and completion of training, each PD graduate was formally presented with a QPS ceremonial collar during the graduation ceremony.
Two of the five graduating German Shepherds are legacy police dogs, bred from currently serving PDs, highlighting the ongoing success of QPS’ breeding and training programs.
The cohort also includes a rare father and son duo, with PD Xero and PD Jero graduating side by side before they commence their careers in Rockhampton and Moreton, respectively.
Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman, Emergency Response & Coordination Command, said the graduation signified not only an important milestone for the handlers and their canine partners, but for frontline policing across the state.
“These police dogs and their handlers have shown immense dedication, resilience, and skill throughout the training program and their careers to date,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“PDs play a vital role in frontline policing, offering support which surpass human capability.
“Our officers and police dogs are tasked with community safety and called upon in times of often high-risk situations.
“Having the largest capability in the organisation’s history means that we can continue to deliver community safety where and when it is needed the most.”
Constable Morgan Prendergast, one of the newly graduated handlers, praised the exceptional abilities of his new canine partner as they prepared for deployment to Townsville.
“PD Izzy is incredibly determined,” Constable Prendergast said.
“We’ve built a strong bond during training and I have every confidence in his abilities as my partner.
“Regional policing is incredibly unique and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve my hometown and support community safety in this new role.”
Each of the PDs join their handlers in supporting frontline operations and bolstering policing efforts across Queensland.
Graduating teams:
- Senior Constable Ryley Kajewski and PD Hooper – Moreton Dog Squad
- Senior Constable Sam Stutsel and PD Jero – Moreton Dog Squad
- Senior Constable Michael Festing and PD Xero – Rockhampton Dog Squad
- Senior Constable Riki Stewart and PD Bruno – Rockhampton Dog Squad
- Constable Morgan Prendergast and PD Izzy – Townsville Dog Squad
A career with the Queensland Police Service offers diverse roles, unique challenges, and the chance to make a real difference every day. From emergency response and crime prevention to community engagement and public safety, no two days are ever the same.
From our bustling cities to remote towns and pristine coastline, policing in Queensland offers a career and lifestyle as diverse as the communities you’ll serve.
Looking for a career that stands for more? Stand with us in a challenging and rewarding career. Visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au to apply now.
