Law Week 2020 is well underway, and this year’s focus is the Human Rights Act 2019.
In this challenging time, it is more important than ever that everyone is aware of the new human rights protections now in place in Queensland.
The Human Rights Act 2019 protects your rights when you interact with government organisations or use their services, including the police.
To acknowledge Law Week 2020, we are looking at some of the exciting career pathways within the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Last year, we introduced you to Chief Superintendent Virginia Nelson (who at the time was a Superintendent). Joining the QPS at the age of 18, Chief Superintendent Nelson never thought her career would take her where it has today.
Chief Superintendent Nelson
Since the day she joined, Chief Superintendent Nelson has served in many different areas of Queensland, performing different roles but her ultimate passion lies in developing the leadership of her officers.
When asked about what it takes to be a successful leader, Chief Superintendent Nelson said it was important to know that you do not have to have the answers all the time.
“What you need to have is a passion for continually improving yourself and focusing on your people and that comes from making time for them and being truly invested in their leadership too,” Chief Superintendent Nelson said.
“You have to care for your staff, be supportive of their development and use your influence to be a champion for what they need every day.”
To find out more of Chief Superintendent Nelson’s journey with the QPS, visit .
Detective Senior Constable Deborah Wilson from the Cold Case Investigation Team, Homicide Group was introduced to you during Law Week 2018.
Detective Senior Constable Wilson
The Homicide investigation Unit is tasked with providing special investigative and intelligence support to the investigation of homicides in Queensland. One of the most challenging areas within this group is the Cold Case Investigation Team, which is made up of investigators and support staff who examine unsolved homicides and long term suspicious missing person investigations, dating back to 1952.
Detective Senior Constable Wilson has worked in the Homicide Group since 2014, and spends her work days meticulously reviewing thousands of pages of case notes, statements, photographs and evidence to find avenues for further investigation and to discover new information that will lead to a breakthrough and the eventual solving and closure of a cold case investigation.
Despite the challenges in solving homicide investigations, particularly cold cases, Detective Senior Constable Wilson still finds the job as exhilarating as she did on day one.
When asked to give advice to future law enforcement officers and budding detectives, Detective Senior Constable Wilson said the job was simultaneously rewarding and interesting but not for everyone.
“You have to have attention to detail, problem solving skills and the ability to think outside the box,” Detective Senior Constable Wilson said.
“A lot of hard work and painstaking hours of following a lead through and sometimes not getting a result requires self-motivation to not get disheartened and to start working on that next lead.”
To find out more about Detective Senior Constable Wilsons role in the Cold Case Investigation Team, visit .
In 2017, we met Sergeant Lisa Buchanan, a senior prosecutor in Cairns, as part of the ‘Justice Journeys’ campaign. This campaign offered an insight into some of the careers and people employed in the field.
Sergeant Buchanan
Being a police prosecutor for the QPS, you must provide a professional prosecutorial function and legal support in the delivery of high quality, innovative, progressive and responsive policing services.
Sergeant Buchanan always knew she wanted to become a police prosecutor, given her interest in the legal profession.
“Although I had enjoyed my time in general duties, I thought it was time for me to experience something different,” Sergeant Buchanan said.
All areas of the Service have a part to play in the investigation and arrest of an offender, but the prosecution is the end process of an investigation, where it all comes together.
“Prosecutions is a diverse area of the QPS. Prosecutors are required to liaise with first responders and investigators, defence and magistrates, victims and offenders, probation, parole and youth justice officers, so we need to have the ability to communicate to all facets of the community.”
“If given an opportunity, I recommend observing prosecutors in court to fully appreciate what role we play.”
To find out more about Sergeant Buchanan’s role, visit .
To find out more about how you can kick off your career in policing, visit
For more information on this year’s Law Week theme and to access resources that help you understand your rights, a ‘plain language’ guide is available online at: .
QPS officers have shared their journey to help inspire young Queenslanders to take a close look at law when considering their potential careers.
Law Week is an annual, national event which aims to foster a better understanding of the roles law and justice play in our society.
