Queensland Police Service Archives - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Oxley-Trained Kaos: A Legacy of Service and Canine Camaraderie

Featured Image Attribution Photo Credit: Queensland Police Services

The Queensland Police Service is mourning the passing of retired Police Dog Kaos. The highly decorated canine officer, who received his initial training in Oxley, died peacefully at the age of 12 and will be forever remembered.

Kaos, a beloved member of the Brisbane Dog Squad, served alongside his handler, Senior Constable Jim Griffiths, from 2014 to 2021, leaving an indelible mark on the force and the community he protected.

A Decorated Career

*Photo Credit:* *Queensland Police Services*

Kaos’s dedication and bravery were recognised just last month when he was awarded the Canine Service Medal for his outstanding service and countless contributions to apprehending offenders.

One particularly harrowing incident occurred in February 2020 during an arrest in Gordon Park, where Kaos sustained a 12-centimetre stab wound to the chest. Despite this serious injury, Kaos made a remarkable recovery and courageously returned to duty a month later.

His courage also earned him the prestigious German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia (GSDCA) Outstanding Canine Service Award in 2021 – the highest honour bestowed upon a German Shepherd in the country.

A Gentle Giant in Retirement

Following his retirement in July 2021, Kaos enjoyed a well-deserved life of leisure with Senior Constable Griffiths and his family in Dayboro. Known for his fierce determination on the job, Kaos was a gentle soul off-duty.

He became a familiar face at the local cafe, basking in the sun and earning the affection of patrons. Additionally, he continued his heartwarming visits to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, bringing comfort and smiles to young patients.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Kaos’s unexpected passing on Saturday, 10 August, has left a void in the hearts of many. Senior Constable Griffiths remembers Kaos as a loyal partner and a cherished friend. “With honour he served, and it was an honour to serve with him,” Griffiths shared, reflecting on their unbreakable bond.

The Queensland Police Service extends its deepest condolences to Senior Constable Griffiths and his family. Kaos’s legacy of courage, loyalty, and unwavering service will forever be remembered.

Published Date 22-August-2024

Veteran Officers Start New Tenure as First Year Constables at QPS

Eleven seasoned international and interstate police officers have commenced their tenure with the Queensland Police Service as the state’s newest First Year Constables. Their induction follows the successful completion of the Police Abridged Competency Education program, a rigorous 17-week training initiative held at the prestigious QPS Oxley Academy.

This initiative caters specifically to applicants with frontline policing experience outside of the QPS within the past five years. Hailing from policing jurisdictions across the globe, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Victoria, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory, these officers contribute their experiences to the QPS.

Their collective expertise in frontline policing, coupled with relevant studies in law, investigation, and public safety, promises to enhance the effectiveness of the Service.

Training Ground at Oxley Academy

The Police Abridged Competency Education (PACE) program in Oxley offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills training. Geared towards augmenting the existing policing background of participants, it equips them with the necessary tools and expertise required for effective law enforcement.

To facilitate their transition into serving the Queensland community, successful graduates of the PACE program are offered a generous relocation incentive of $20,000. This financial aid helps with easing the officers’ integration into their new roles within the QPS.

Warm Welcome

Police Minister Mark Ryan extends a warm welcome to the 11 new officers, emphasising the value of their extensive policing experience in enriching the Service. He underscores the importance of investing in individuals and their skills to uphold the QPS’s commitment to community safety. Aspiring officers are encouraged to explore the diverse career pathways within the QPS and make a positive impact in their communities.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Kelly also extends heartfelt congratulations to the 11 new First Year Constables embarking on their policing careers with the QPS. He acknowledges the wealth of experience, core values, and skills they bring from their diverse policing backgrounds across Australia and overseas.

The newly inducted officers have been deployed to various regions across Queensland, ready to fulfil their commitment to ensuring community safety. From Mackay Northern Beaches to Cairns, Townsville to Brisbane City, they are strategically stationed to address diverse policing needs across the state.

A career within the Queensland Police Service offers a multitude of opportunities to make a meaningful difference. From protecting communities and responding to emergencies to investigating crimes and providing support, the possibilities are endless. Aspiring officers are urged to seize the opportunity to embark on a fulfilling journey in law enforcement by visiting PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au.

Published 15-Feb-2024

Queensland Police Launches Largest Ever Recruitment Campaign

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has launched its largest ever recruitment campaign in an effort to significantly boost the number of police recruited and trained at its academy in Oxley.

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With $87.5 million in funding from the state government over five years, the campaign aims to support the force’s ambitious recruitment drive.

Months in the making, the marketing targets both new recruits and experienced officers nationally and abroad who may be interested in a policing career with QPS.

According to Police Minister Mark Ryan, the campaign showcases the diversity of roles available within the service to attract passionate applicants ready for the challenges and rewards.

“As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities,” Minister Ryan said.

The campaign reveals the dynamic range of environments across the state, from urban Brisbane to rural and remote towns. Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers said their organisation’s research showed applicants want meaningful work with good pay and work-life balance.

“When we highlighted the fact first year Constables could take home a package of $100,000 in their first twelve months for a 38 hour week it proved highly attractive, something they would consider and try,” Mr Leavers said.

“The Premier, Police Minister and Treasurer listened to our advocacy and didn’t hesitate to fund our initiatives. I’m confident Queensland will be a first option employer for people wanting a career in policing,” he added.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the QPS wants to recruit people from all backgrounds who want to make a difference. She believes the campaign will generate significant interest in what is the largest recruitment drive in the organisation’s history.

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Incentives like no application fees, cost of living allowances, free accommodation, and up to $20,000 towards HECS or relocation continue to be offered.

Published 13-September-2023

Largest Batch of QPS Recruits Now Training at Oxley Academy

Queensland Police Service is now training its largest batch of recruits ever at the Oxley Academy. These 280 individuals will form part of the QPS’s goal to add 2,025 police personnel to its roster across the state.

The new recruits are expected to graduate from Oxley Academy in early 2022. Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said that she’s pleased to see so many recruits and she looks forward to more Queenslanders joining the service in the future.

“Policing offers an incredibly diverse range of opportunities, whether it be general duties policing, or the wide range of specialist units we have ranging from the dog squad and water police to forensics or the stock squad,” Ms Carroll said.

Recruiting and Constable Training Superintendent Josef Jaramazovic said that they are particularly looking for applicants driven by purpose and have a sense of direction and meaning in their chosen careers. He also said that the increase in recruits will ensure that QPS will meet the challenges and demands of police work.

Meanwhile, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, the Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, said the latest round of recruits is an “investment in policing unrivalled by any government this century.”

“This is in keeping with the Queensland Government’s commitment to keep Queenslanders safe now, and well into the future. More than ever, Queenslanders have witnessed throughout the pandemic, the extraordinary commitment of police to keeping the community safe.

“Queenslanders are fortunate to have a police service that is so totally committed to serving the community.

“And what we have seen demonstrates how a career with the Queensland Police Service is synonymous with a life devoted to serving your fellow Queenslanders.”

Interested individuals who are thinking of joining QPS may try the QPS eligibility quiz.

New Mobile Police Beat Arrives in Oxley

Did you know that a new mobile police beat has rolled into Oxley to provide the community with more access to services like taking witness or victim statements, reports, and conducting field interviews?

The South Brisbane Mobile Police Beat, parked by the entrance of the Oxley Railway Station, will also be going around the community to provide more police presence. The set-up will allow the locals to comfortably talk to the authorities about their concerns for public safety and security, including issues on domestic and family violence.

Aside from Oxley, the service will also be visible around Corinda, Sherwood, Graceville, Rocklea, Chelmer, Tennyson and parts of Yeerongpilly, according to the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

“Mobile police beats are an agile solution to policing in the districts and we look forward to being able to provide a “station on wheels” to predetermined areas that we identify require a policing presence most,” Chief Superintendent Graham said.

It comes the QPS recently welcomed 96 new officers, who were inducted as First Year Constables (FYC) at the Oxley Academy. They are the first graduates of the distance-based study option and received their deployment orders to serve various precincts across Queensland. They have also been issued their QLiTE devices to issue banning notices on the spot.

As FYCs, the new officers will further undergo station-based training for 12 months to improve their abilities whilst immersed in actual police scenarios.

“These new FYCs are the future of policing in Queensland, and the training they have undertaken up to this point has prepared them for the variety of situations they will encounter throughout their policing careers,” Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.

“The ability to graduate with QLiTE devices will enable these officers to hit the ground running, being equipped with the tools are necessary to perform their new roles.

“We are always looking to deliver the latest technology available to our officers to give them the equipment required to provide a modern approach to crime prevention, community safety and all other aspects of police work.”