Like many career options, you can begin the path to becoming a Queensland police officer long before you finish school.
Creating a plan to gain life experience, develop confidence, and build your skills is just one of the things you can do to help set yourself up for success.
Before joining QPS, Constable Camryn Hayden actively looked for opportunities to gain experience and build essential skills to help turn her lifelong goal of becoming a police officer into a reality.
“I became involved in community-focused activities such as sports, volunteering, and community work,” Constable Hayden said.
“These activities gave me an insight into the importance of fostering strong relationships, understanding diverse perspectives, and building trust.”
“I developed my ability to communicate and engage with people meaningfully, listen to their concerns, and strive to create positive change.”
Additionally, Constable Hayden worked as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) with the Queensland Ambulance Service before starting her policing career.
“My experience as an EMD gave me valuable insight into managing high-pressure situations and critical decision-making,” she said.
“I gained a deeper understanding of how emergency services operate in tandem to serve and respond to the communities of Queensland.”
With this solid foundation, Constable Hayden began the 36-week training program, during which recruits are paid to train, at the QPS Academy in Brisbane in 2024.
Since graduating, she has been undertaking the First Year Constable Program (FYCP), undergoing further training in an operational environment.
During the FYCP, officers develop their skills through firsthand experiences, attending training days, undertaking general policing workplace activities, and rotations through various specialist units.
Whether volunteering, working in customer service, or getting involved in community programs, every experience helps prepare you for the rewards and challenges of a career such as policing.
Constable Hayden’s story demonstrates that you can turn your ambition into action with the right mindset and preparation.
Learn more about a policing career or find an upcoming recruiting seminar at https://www.policerecruit.qld.gov.au/