- Newly created special constable positions are boosting frontline Queensland Police resources.
- Two special constables were sworn-in during a ceremony in Townsville today.
- 12 special constables already sworn-in to QPS with more set to re-join in coming weeks.
- The positions enable former officers to return to the Service on a casual basis even if they have surpassed mandatory retirement age.
Two former police officers have re-joined the ranks as special constables during a ceremony today, boosting frontline police resources in North Queensland. The pair, are among a dozen police officers who have returned to policing as part of a newly created QPS program where officers can re-join the frontline on a casual basis. The former officers must undergo necessary refresher training and assessment to ensure they remain suitable to carry out frontline policing duties. Special constables are employed by the QPS as part of a relief function, allowing policing districts to fill temporary resourcing gaps such as when officers are on recreational leave or during peak-demands and major events. The new category, announced this year as part of a suite of measures to strengthen police resources, enables the option for officers who retire at the mandatory age of 60 to return to the Service on a casual basis. The QPS is able to leverage the officers’ knowledge, experience and established connections to local communities. The 12 special constables have been appointed to areas including Townsville, Longreach, Ipswich and Moreton.
Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Ryan: “I commend the Queensland Police Service for establishing this new category of police officer this year which has already seen many benefits for the frontline. “Much like other industries, the special constables work similar to a relief workforce where they substitute and complement rosters. “The Queensland Government is committed to supporting our police and that is why we have made record investments in bolstering the frontline across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy:
“Opening up opportunities for former police officers is unlocking huge benefits for the Service, particularly when it comes to filling temporary resourcing gaps. “There is a significant amount of interest for current serving officers who are nearing retirement to return as special constables as well as other officers who have left the Service and want to return with secondary casual employment. “We know policing is a passion for many officers who want to continue working beyond the mandatory retirement age and we a very pleased we can retain their wealth of experience and skills among our ranks.”
