Fourteen new watchhouse officers (WOs) have joined the Queensland Police Service after graduating from Oxley Police Academy.
Watchhouse officers are trained specialists who manage people in custody within watchhouses across Queensland. WOs have some of the same legislative powers as police officers and are trained in operational skills and tactics training.
The graduates have spent five weeks learning about their roles and responsibilities, as well as legislation and custody processes. They also attended lectures delivered by a number of presenters, including First Nations organisations.
The newly graduated officers will be deployed throughout South-East Queensland, including Caloundra, Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast.
Watchhouse officer Paul Langley will start his career at Pine Rivers Watchhouse. Paul was an immigration detention officer for four years and believes a watchhouse officer is invaluable in helping police get back on the road and serving the community.
Watchhouse officer Leona Kish will travel to Caboolture for her first shift with the QPS. Leona is studying a bachelor in psychology and criminology and plans to use her experience as a watchhouse officer to study forensic psychology. She most enjoyed learning operational skills and tactics.
New Watchhouse officer Maddison Bignell will be working at Caloundra Watchhouse. Maddison has a passion for helping people but doesn’t want to sit behind a desk. A watchhouse officer role offered her an active career. Maddison enjoyed the coursework and feels ready to start applying the skills she has learned in her new role.
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