Three policing agencies partner with Tafe Qld to increase Indigenous police recruits
A trifecta of law enforcement agencies have championed a local tertiary education program in hopes of increasing its Indigenous recruit numbers. Read why.
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A trifecta of law enforcement agencies have joined forces to increase Indigenous police recruits through a new tertiary course.
The education program was announced on Tuesday and is a joint program by senior representatives from Queensland Police, Federal Police and Australian Border Force.
Brett Schafferius, assistant commissioner for the Far North QPS region, said increasing Indigenous representation among his ranks was vital for successful engagement between police and the community.
He encouraged Indigenous school-leavers to sign up for the inaugural course in April.
“We have one focus — that is to keep our community safe. There is nothing better than if we have local women and men contributing to that,” Commissioner Schafferius said.
“This is a very important step in the right direction for two good reasons. Firstly, it’s the opportunity for young people to interact with people who are a part of their community. Secondly, what is even more important, is the people taking part in this program will become role models to other young women and men in First Nations communities to see what can be achieved.
“Students will finish the course with improved communication skills. They’ll have the skills to resolve conflict and a greater understanding workplace protocols, all skills vital to a successful career in law enforcement.
“To be able to get more of our local Fist Nations people to get involved in policing … that’s just a win-win for the entire community.”
Program mentor and Federal Police senior constable Brian McAloman said joining any police force was a culture shock for recruits regardless of background.
“There can be a lot of losses in the first part of the program … I will insert into the program and assist them with assignments and introduce them to what the discipline is on a gradual scale,” Senior Constable McAloman said.
“In the Far North we have a great First Nations population, so the more First Nations people we can get into the community the better off everybody is going to be.”
The course has a precedent of success after a program similar to it was implemented by Tafe and police in New South Wales.
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Originally published as Three policing agencies partner with Tafe Qld to increase Indigenous police recruits
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