The ambitions of 25 members of Tasmania Police Trainee Course 1/2010 are realised today on their graduation from the Tasmania Police Academy.

The course commenced on 29 March 2010 and what followed for the trainees was 36 challenging weeks of instruction and assessment covering areas such as legislation, policy, procedures, practices, communication, driver training, defensive tactics, weapons training and physical training.

Among today’s graduates is 20 year old Letitia Blackwell, who has been working towards becoming a sworn officer since high school. Constable Blackwell, who will be transferred to Devonport, completed the Tasmania Police Career Development Program offered to college students, and joined the trainee course after working for Tasmania Police as a State Service employee.

“I’m keen to start applying all my training and I’m ready to do the best job I possibly can,” said Constable Blackwell.

Also graduating today is 25 year old Claire Dennis, who left a career in superannuation administration to pursue a career she had long desired with Tasmania Police.

“The course was challenging, rewarding and has provided me with the knowledge and skills to prepare for policing. I’m looking forward to working in Launceston,” said Constable Dennis.

Today’s graduates are the first to benefit from a new pathway to a degree with the University of Tasmania. The course is the first where 15 of the curriculum’s units are accredited towards the 24 unit Bachelor of Social Science degree in Police Studies which is offered by the University of Tasmania.

“We are pleased that these men and women have decided to make policing their career and I welcome the new Constables to Tasmania Police,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“I am confident that our graduating officers will serve the community with pride and commitment to the highest ethical standard of service delivery.

“The graduates begin their policing careers over the busy Christmas / New Year period, where they’ll be involved in roles from traffic operations and foot patrols to any number of a wide spectrum of police duties,” said Mr Hine.

The new Constables bring the total number of Tasmania Police officers to 1,204. They will be stationed at Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2296