Community & Business
17 March, 2023
Policing pathway opens for First Nations people
FIRST Nations people are being encouraged to sign up for a new program which will launch their pathway into a career in law enforcement.
Queensland Police Service (QPS), Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) have joined with TAFE Queensland to promote the new program in Cairns to support First Nations people into frontline career pathways.
The First Nations Pathways to Po-licing Program is a tailored course with mentoring opportunities designed to assist First Nations people to pursue a career in policing or other law enforcement.
Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said the QPS was encouraging applications for the inaugural program which was planned for April.
“The First Nations Pathways to Policing Program is a fantastic opportunity for those interested in a career in law enforcement, providing teaching for the necessary skills, giving insight into each agency and valuable skills to begin their career,” he said.
The inception of the First Nations Pathways to Policing Program was inspired by the successful jointly funded AFP and New South Wales Police program, Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD).
Constable Tamika Clarke, a proud Kamilaroi woman, completed the IPROWD course before applying to join the QPS and said the course gave her the drive to pursue a career in policing.
“Before beginning the IPROWD course, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to pursue a career in policing. But the course gave me a great insight into what life as a police officer would be like, and really ignited my desire to join.” Constable Clarke said.
“I found the program to be helpful in developing my skills further. When it came to applying to join, I felt ready for the entry assessments and then when I had been accepted to the Academy, I felt like I had a head start on a lot of the learnings.
“It’s great that TAFE Queensland, QPS and the other law enforcement agencies have all pitched in to have the Pathways to Policing Program developed. I hope that it encourages and gives the skills to more First Nations people to pursue a career in law enforcement.
“If anyone has considered a career in law enforcement but is unsure that they have the skills, or even just want-ing to get some more exposure to what life would be like, I’d really encourage them to give the Pathway to Policing program a go.”
AFP Commander Caroline Taylor said the program was designed to assist Indigenous Australians attain the academic requirements vital for participation in the policing, justice and emergency services sector.
“The AFP is proud to play a role in strengthening opportunities for First Nations students wishing to pursue a career within key government agencies including the AFP, QPS and ABF,” she said.
“For policing, justice and emergency services to be successful it’s vital that our members reflect the communities we serve.”
The First Nations Pathways to Policing Program starts on 17 April at the TAFE Queensland Cairns campus. People can apply now or learn more by calling 1300 308 233 or visiting tafeqld.edu.au
