Fourteen newly appointed Protective Services Officers (PSOs) have commenced their careers with the Queensland Police Service after graduating from Oxley Police Academy.
The newest addition to QPS’ Protective Services Group (PSG), these PSOs will play a vital role in safeguarding state government buildings, assets and people while working closely with Queensland Police Officers to uphold community safety.
These officers bring a wealth of valuable experience from diverse backgrounds which include education, information technology, corrections and security, hairdressing, retail, and police and emergency services.
Amongst Queensland’s newest Protective Services Officers is PSO Mark Aichholzer-Bueno, who embarks on his new role after having previously served 28 years with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in administration roles and as a General Duties officer.
Additionally, PSO Robert Prowse brings 12 years of experience as an Army combat engineer, during which time he undertook deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, while fellow graduate, PSO Paula Berry-Smith served in the London Ambulance Services for 15 years.
PSO Fiona Davis joins the QPS with 12 years of interstate policing experience as a General Duties officer, detective and police prosecutor.
“My motivation to become a Protective Services Officer stems from a combination of experience as a Victorian Police Officer and a desire to continue a career within the law enforcement area,” she said.
“I really loved my experiences as a Police Officer, especially when you help make a positive impact of safeguarding the community.
“If you’re interested in a career that can open a diverse range of opportunities and help you self-develop your skills in communication, resilience, and professionalism, it is a fantastic career with benefits of a work/life balance.”
The recruits undertook a seven-week PSO training program, during which they earned while they learned, allowing them to fully commit to their studies.
The program included legislation, communication skills, operations skills and tactics training, equipping the new PSOs with the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake their new roles effectively.
The new PSOs will be deployed to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville regions to help keep communities safe.
With diverse career opportunities, the Protective Services Group presents a fulfilling vocation path that offers job security and abundant prospects for professional growth.
For more information on a career in the PSG, visit protectiveservicesgroup.qld.gov.au.
A career within the Queensland Police Service is like no other. From protecting, responding, and investigating, to supporting, rescuing and learning – the sheer variety of roles make it both a challenging and rewarding career.
As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. Now really is the best time to join.
Visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au to kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community.
