A new cohort of 14 Protective Services Officers (PSOs) has joined the ranks of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) following their graduation from the QPS Academy in Brisbane.
As part of the Protective Services Group (PSG) within the QPS, PSOs play a crucial role by providing security services to Queensland Government infrastructure and facilities, ensuring the safety and security of Queenslanders.
Superintendent Keiryn Dermody congratulated the new PSOs and extended a warm welcome to the Queensland Police Service.
“These new officers bolster the Service with their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience from their previous professions which include Queensland police officer, customer service, teaching and youth justice,” she said.
“They will play a vital role in our commitment to the evolving needs of Queensland communities.
“I wish them all the best as they move forward in their careers.”
Amongst Queensland’s newest Protective Services Officers is PSO Caleb Freebody from the Sunshine Coast, who begins his new role in Brisbane after an eight-year career as a skilled carpenter.
“I decided to pursue a career as a PSO as I’ve always enjoyed helping my community in any way I can, so this career change will allow me to continue that commitment on a daily basis,” said PSO Freebody.
“The communication, professionalism and self-development skills I have gained through the PSO training program have been highly valuable, and I look forward to putting them to use in my career with the QPS.”
For PSO Brooke Nielsen who comes from a retail management background, experience liaising with police through workplace situations drew her towards a career serving the community.
“I am looking forward to the vast opportunities for career development that the Service has to offer, as well as further developing my academy training, particularly critical thinking and situational awareness in various environments I will be working in,” she said.
“There are so many places a career with the QPS can take you, and having lived in various regions across the state including Darling Downs, Wide Bay and the Gold Coast, I look forward to the prospect of serving regional Queensland in the future, following my initial deployment in Brisbane.”
PSO recruits undertake a comprehensive seven-week, full-time training program at the QPS Academy at Oxley, where they earn a training salary to support them through their studies.
The PSO training program covers ethics and integrity, legislation relevant to their duties, communication training surrounding de-escalation of incidents and communication with clients.
Additionally, PSO recruits undertake Operational Skills and Tactics (OST) training which includes safe use of force and other procedures, all of which prepares them for the operational duties they will undertake.
These 14 new PSOs will now be deployed to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Caboolture and Mackay, boosting the capabilities of the QPS and reinforcing the Service’s commitment to community safety.
The Protective Services Group offers diverse opportunities for people looking for a fulfilling career with job security and ample avenues for professional advancement.
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.
