Constable Zac Richters-Nielsen is Airlie Beach’s new cop

From removing unruly passengers on cruise ships to boating over to Hamilton Island, this fresh graduate’s first posting as a police officer is far from ordinary.

Constable Zac Richters-Nielsen is one of Airlie Beach's newest officers. Photo: Contributed

Whitsunday’s newest police officer is living out his childhood dreams, and his Whitsunday posting would make any city dweller jealous.

Constable Zac Richters-Nielsen always wanted to be a police officer, first as a wide-eyed kid fascinated by action and police chases, and later, when he realised the career aligned with his own personal values.

Constable Zac Richters-Nielsen gets the chance to be out on the water as part of his role. Photo: Contributed

Originally planning to join in his late 20s or 30s, Constable Richters-Nielsen was encouraged by a friend to apply earlier than expected which he said was “pretty cool”.

He graduated from the Queensland Police Academy in 2024 after eight months of training and was assigned to the Mackay district, choosing Airlie Beach as his preferred post.

“I picked Airlie Beach because if I’m going up this way, I might as well work in one of the most beautiful places the state has to offer,” he said.

Since arriving, Constable Richters-Nielsen has already had some unique policing experiences from jobs on Hamilton Island to helping remove a passenger from a cruise ship.

“From what my friends tell me from down south I’ve definitely got the better end of the stick,” he said.

He said the regional posting also offered opportunities he likely wouldn’t have received in a city station.

Constable Zac Richters-Nielsen said he definitely got the better end of the stick, working in one of the most beautiful locations in the state. Photo: Contributed

“You’re able to take carriage of investigations that I wouldn’t typically be able to do with my length of service down south, which has been really beneficial and exciting to experience,” he said.

But for him, the best part was the variety.

“Every day is so different, you get to work with like-minded people and you really get to have fun with the job,” he said.

“There definitely are times when it is very serious and you have to be professional but there’s other times where you just get to sit back, have a laugh, enjoy working in the community.

“It’s great, I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Originally published as Constable Zac Richters-Nielsen is Airlie Beach’s new cop