Fresh faces on the force: 14 rookie cops join Townsville police

A group of 14 fresh-faced first year constables are ready to dive into the thick of it this week, trading their old lives for the frontline of Townsville’s crime crackdown.

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick with some of the 137 recruits who were inducted into the Queensland Police Service at the Oxley academy. Photo: Steve Pohlner

A group of 14 fresh-faced first year constables are ready to dive into the thick of it this week, trading their old lives for the frontline of Townsville’s crime crackdown.

These rookies are part of a larger group of 137 recruits who were inducted into the Queensland Police Service at the Oxley Academy in Brisbane on May 16.

Hailing from all walks of life, these newbies include former parole officer Danica Smith, who swapped her career with Queensland Corrective Services for a badge and a mission to make a real “hands-on” difference in the community.

Leaving her Brisbane home behind, Smith is now stationed at Kirwan, one of Townsville’s busiest stations, notorious for its sky-high domestic violence rates.

Constable Smith, driven by a passion for supporting victims of domestic and family violence, said the issue was a significant part of their academy training.

“I know that’s so prevalent everywhere at the moment,” she said.

“I really want to be hands-on with victims and work with them face-to-face and see the changes that police can make in the community.”

First year Constables Mitch Knowles and Danica Smith are ready to hit the beat in Townsville. Picture: Natasha Emeck

The 14 new recruits will be hitting the streets across Townsville this week. One will be headed to Deeragun Station, six to Kirwan Station, one to Stuart Station, four to Townsville Station, and two to Mundingburra Station.

Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Lawson was thrilled to welcome the new recruits on Monday, stating they were “dead set” on getting as many police on the ground as possible in Townsville.

He explained that recruit placements depend on operational demand, and Townsville has a “fairly big demand” due to youth crime rates and domestic and family violence.

“In the first few days, they’re gonna see some domestic and family violence instances, unfortunately, and we need to make sure that they’re well-prepared to be able to respond,” he said.

“They’re going to be able to provide the support necessary to the victim-survivors, but they’re also going to have the ability to look after themselves and reach into some of our support networks to ensure they get through their first year as best they can.”

Originally published as Fresh faces on the force: 14 rookie cops join Townsville police