Queensland police cop backlash for recruiting 17-year-olds

A new controversial recruitment strategy from Queensland police has been labelled as “terrifying” and an “incredibly bad idea”.

Queensland Police are facing backlash after announcing they’ll be actively recruiting teenagers to join the force.

In a report by 7News Cairns, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is encouraging new recruits to apply at age 17 — one year earlier than they can join currently — as an alternative to tertiary education or vocational institutions so they can enter the state’s police academy as soon as they’re of age.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll. Picture: David Clark

“We want them here at 18, they will be out on the road at 18-and-a-half,” Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll announced last week. “What I want to do today is to encourage every 17-year-old in Queensland to apply for the Queensland Police Service.”

Minister for Police Mark Ryan made his pitch to young recruits with promises of being “one day in the sky in a helicopter, one day out on a boat with the water police, on a push bike, on a motorbike”.

The decision has received a lot of backlash, with some expressing concern over fast-tracked training.

“Only thing I can imagine that’s more terrifying than a Queensland cop is a 17yo Queensland cop,” said one commenter on Twitter.

Police Minister Mark Ryan (R) and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll at QPS recruit induction. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Not old enough to vote or buy a beer, but OK to be a cop …” pointed out another.

Another said it was “an incredibly bad idea”.

“Policing is a job for sensible, mature people. Not someone whose brain hasn’t finished growing,” they said.

Others suggested it was necessary to find recruits with more life experience and education, not less.

“You know, it can’t be that hard to recruit cops with at least a degree,” said a commenter. “Not 17yos who can easily be influenced by senior officers to bend and break certain rules.”

When asked for comment by news.com.au, Acting Assistant Commissioner Mark Kelly stated: “There are no changes to the minimum standards required by any person with 17-year-old applicants still being required to pass the required cognitive, physical and psychological testing and meeting the vetting, integrity, medical and interview selection standards, as well as have successfully completed Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent).

“The Queensland Police Service is currently undertaking its largest recruiting campaign that has ever been conducted. Getting the right people for the role is critical to ensure we have the very best applicants to represent and serve our communities.”

Induction ceremony sees new recruits sworn in to the Queensland Police Service (QPS). Picture: Shae Beplate

Earlier this year, a submission for a state inquiry into police culture detailed widespread misogynistic behaviour, sexist comments and sexual harassment by male colleagues within the service.

The Guardian reported some incidents involve male police officers referring to an area where female detectives sat as “c**t corner”, a male officer saying a female investigator was “a good operator until her arse got fat”, a male officer questioning if “this a real rape or is she looking for a free pap smear?” and much more.

There were also reports of QPS officers failing to properly investigate the deaths of at least four First Nations women, along with damning reports of how incidents of domestic violence were handled.

The call for 17-year-olds to join has also come after last year’s internal Working for Queensland survey found that many within the QPS ranks had a lack of trust in the organisation’s leadership, according to theABC.

Originally published as Queensland police cop backlash for recruiting 17-year-olds