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Liv Smith

from Assistant at a hair dresser to General Duties Police Officer
Frontline policing - respond, prevent crime, protect and assist the community
Industry
Defence and Public Safety
Company
Queensland Police Service
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • My Negotiator work
  • QPS Women's Rugby League
  • Training First Year Constables
  • Talking to people in crisis

About me

I left school intending on becoming a lawyer. However, found I didn’t enjoy studying at University, and sought counsel in my high school Legal Studies teacher, who advised me to try policing. I applied for the QPS and started at the academy at 20-years-old. Graduating September 2013, I began my career in Ipswich District. I was confirmed to Charleville Station in 2014, then moving to Cleveland Station in 2018. Here, I progressed to a Senior Constable, moving again to Morningside Station in 2023, and then to Rockhampton Police Station in November 2024. I have relieved in other roles, but currently remain in General Duties as a first response officer in Rockhampton. I am also a trained Negotiator, Search and Rescue Coordinator, and Field Training Officer, responsible for training First Year Constables beginning their careers.

About my role

  • Humorous
  • Optimistic
  • Passionate
  • Perfectionist
  • Tolerant
  • Understanding

General Duties police are the first responders to all calls for police assistance. In a single shift, they can attend and investigate many different incidents, such as domestic violence, mental health crises, property offences, traffic crashes, wanted, armed, or missing persons, and sudden deaths. They both respond to calls for service, and proactively police and engage with the community, as well as carry out protracted investigations. Police often work closely with the Queensland Ambulance Service, and Queensland Fire Department, and assist Youth Justice, correctional centres, and the Court system. First response police may also pursue additional qualifications, such as Police Negotiator and Search and Rescue Coordinator. Negotiators are called upon in high-risk siege, mental health, and hostage situations, and Search and Rescue Coordinators manage large-scale searches for missing or lost persons, weapons, and other items of interest.

Education

  • High School graduate OP4
  • Diploma of Policing
  • Police Negotiator Certification
  • Search and Rescue Coordinator Certification

Subjects

  • Drama
  • English
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Legal Studies
  • Music
  • Performing Arts

Awards

  • 2022 Field Training Officer of the Year Award - Brisbane Region

Hobbies

  • Boxing
  • Gym
  • Photography
  • Seeing family and friends

Pets

  • 2 Dog

15 year old me!!

“You're never stuck doing what you start doing. Don't be scared to start again.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Having lunch with my high school teacher.
  2. Getting accepted into the QPS Academy.
  3. Getting sent to Charleville.
  4. Meeting my partner.
  5. Moving to Rockhampton.

My typical day

My employer

Every day the Queensland Police Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the community. The Service employs more than 15,000 Queenslanders and values diversity within its workforce to provide the best policing services to people who live, work and visit the State. As part of the Queensland Government, we are committed to building a diverse workforce that represents the community we serve.