Queensland Police Service to hold career expo at Toowoomba TAFE Oval on Saturday
From chasing criminals on foot, to tracking them with covert surveillance and hi-tech tools, searching bushland on horseback or rescuing people from flood water – the varied life of a copper will be on display at the Toowoomba career expo.
Toowoomba
Don't miss out on the headlines from Toowoomba. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The camaraderie, adventure and excitement of life in policing will be on show at the weekend during the Queensland Police Service career expo.
From general duties officers, to the Dog Squad, detectives, crime scene technicians, the Stock Squad and the heavily armed officers from the Public Safety Response Team, dozens of officers will be on hand to talk about their roles.
Darling Downs Superintendent Doug McDonald said the career expo was open to adults of all ages and experiences.
“At the event last year we had students who were still in school coming along to get an understanding about what a career in the police involved,” he said.
“We also had people that are rethinking their career paths, some that have chosen to get trades or do other work.
“We encourage people right from the age of 18 through to people in their 50s to join.
“That brings a diversity of experience and knowledge into the police.”
The family-friendly event is also a great place for the community to meet its police and learn about some of the programs that are in place to make the city safe.
They can also explore the cutting-edge technology police use to investigate, track and arrest criminals.
“Make no mistake, criminals in our society are leveraging technology so that’s why it’s really important for us to stay ahead of the game,” Superintendent McDonald said.
The QPS is keen to boost its recruitment in line with Queensland’s growing population.
It has offered generous incentives for recruits, including relocation and retention bonuses.
Superintendent McDonald joined the QPS 35 years ago and said it was a rewarding career.
“I’ve been one of those people that have chosen to go on different career paths, I’ve been in specialist areas, including intelligence, covert policing, and general duties,” he said.
“There have been challenging moments, there have been traumatic moments but it’s that camaraderie and the friendship and the support of the community that really makes it an enjoyable and worthwhile career.
“Right through my career, every job I’ve done has been a highlight, right up to becoming the superintendent here in the Darling Downs.
“I now get the absolute honour of leading a lot of really great people, 600 police and specialist units, up here on the Darling Downs.”
The Toowoomba Community Safety and Career Expo runs from 9am-12pm, Saturday, at the Toowoomba TAFE Oval, 100 Bridge St.
More Coverage
Originally published as Queensland Police Service to hold career expo at Toowoomba TAFE Oval on Saturday
‘Light in the dark’: Town embraces family of girl killed in tragic crash
A small community will say farewell next week to a bright five-year-old who was tragically killed in a crash that has rocked the town’s residents.
Free mental health workshops for veterans, their family and friends
Our veterans face unique mental health challenges and these workshops are aimed at helping the people closest to them identify the warning signs and behaviours that may trigger the need for early intervention.