The Queensland Police Service is targeting experienced police officers and interested applicants from south of the border as part of a brazen recruitment campaign coinciding with this week’s State of Origin game.
Battle lines have been drawn with major incentives announced of up to $20,000 in relocation bonuses for officers to move from NSW or interstate to Queensland.
For a limited time, recruit applicants can also have up to $20,000 of their HECs debt paid by the Queensland Police Service on select tertiary degrees such as psychology, criminology and social work.
A bonus $183 ‘cost of living allowance’ has been added to the wage of police recruits and accommodation costs at police academies have been waived.
Acting Superintendent Renee Kurtz said police recruitment had become very competitive across Australia with the current tight labour market.
“We are looking at a variety of ways to keep Queensland ahead of the game when it comes to attracting quality police officers,” Acting Superintendent Kurtz said.
“The Queensland Police Service is offering very attracting incentives for our interstate colleagues to make the move and enjoy a rewarding policing career here in sunny Queensland.
“Right now, experienced officers can make the move to Queensland and they’ll be compensated with a relocation bonus of up to $20,000.
“They will also be able to access fast-tracked training which would see them on the frontline in Queensland sooner.
“Of course, there are also a range of incentives for anyone in Queensland or interstate to apply to become a police officer through our world-class recruitment program.”
The QPS is hosting Open Days at its police academies in Brisbane and Townsville this Saturday, July 15
Officers and specialist units including Dog Squad, Road Policing and Regional Support Command, Dive Squad and Water Police will be onsite providing demonstrations and information to attendees, as well as conducting free obstacle courses and physical testing.
For more information about joining the Queensland Police Service, visit: www.policerecruit.qld.gov.au.
