20 new Police recruits will be inducted into the Tasmania Police Academy this afternoon.

Coming from a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the seven women and 13 men bring a rich diversity of experience to their new profession.

Among this latest intake are three phys ed teachers, two electricians, a medical scientist, a chef and two university students.

The group is the second of three recruit courses planned for 2016.

Commissioner Darren Hine said:

“It’s always a proud moment for me to welcome new members to our service.

“In choosing to protect and serve their community these men and women have chosen to embark on a fulfilling, rewarding and life-changing career.

“Just to get to this stage they have already proven themselves. The next few months of recruit training will be another great challenge.”

Over a 29 week course, recruits will undertake training including road policing, physical training, scenario based training and investigations and operational skills.

When they graduate, the 20 new recruits will bring the total number of Tasmania Police officers to 1182, heading towards a target of 1233 by 2018.

Mr Hine added:

“We aim to recruit people of any age and any background who can use their different life experiences to build even stronger links between police and communities to ensure we deliver the best possible policing service.”

The trainee police officers include:

1. Leighton BEER Trainee Constable BEER comes to us from Guilford Young College, where he taught Athlete Development and Physical Recreation. Trainee Constable BEER has a Bachelor of Human Movement from the University of Tasmania, and is a keen sportsperson.
2. Luke BRATT Trainee Constable BRATT was a full-time University student, studying a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Criminology and Journalism. He has a strong interest in music, and has played guitar and trombone for the last 10 years.
3. Jacob DALRYMPLE Trainee Constable DALRYMPLE is a qualified electrician, who has moved from Victoria to take up his new career with Tasmania Police. He was captain/coach of Guildford Cricket Club during 2014, as well as playing for the Maldon Football Club.
4. Craig DAWKINS  Trainee Constable DAWKINS has previously worked in the shipping industry, and has a Diploma of Applied Nautical Science (Deck Watch Keeper) from the Australian Maritime College. He is a keen golfer and is Vice Captain of Devonport Golf Club.
5. William FAICHNEY Trainee Constable FAICHNEY is a qualified electrician and previously worked at the Henty Gold Mine. He has a strong interest in hockey and has been a volunteer hockey umpire.
6. Monique FEATHERSTONE Trainee Constable FEATHERSTONE recently worked as an Enforcement Officer with the Monetary Penalties unit of the Department of Justice. She volunteers at the PCYC with the Go, Go program, mentoring young girls and is also a lifeguard and swim instructor at Hobart Aquatic Centre.
7. Steven GILLINGHAM Trainee Constable GILLINGHAM has a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and was head of Haematology and Biochemistry at Launceston Pathology. He previously volunteered as a missionary in outback Northern Territory, and NSW.
8. Samantha HARDY  Trainee Constable HARDY has a Certificate 3 in Commercial Cookery and was Senior Chef at 33 Cups restaurant. She is a team leader with Ulverstone Soccer Club and enjoys Futsal, touch football and basketball.
9. Mark HICKEY Trainee Constable HICKEY has a background in mechanics, construction, electronics and information technology, all of which he has put to use as a Leading Technician with Electroboard Solutions. He has a keen interest in motorsports and cricket, as well as bushwalking and camping.
10. Andrew HODGKINSON Trainee Constable HODGKINSON has a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and is an accredited Australian Professional Snow Sports Instructor. He previously worked as a freelance Outdoor Guide and Instructor, and was a member of Victoria Bush Search and Rescue.
11. Connor KELLY Trainee Constable KELLY comes to us from Zoo Doo Zoo, where he worked as a zookeeper. He has been studying a Diploma of Business and in his spare time has a keen interest in archery.
12. Christo LE GRANGE Trainee Constable Le GRANGE has been studying a Bachelor of Business at the University of Tasmania part-time, whilst working as a Development Officer with Tasmanian Rugby Union. He was Tasmanian State Rugby Coach in 2013 and 2015, as well as coach of Longley Cricket Club in 2014 and 2015.
13. Caitlin MILBURN Trainee Constable MILBURN has been working as a Recruitment Consultant in the medical industry, as well as being a volunteer Ambulance Officer. She enjoys Ballroom Dancing and a variety of contact martial arts including Jujitsu, Wrestling and Boxing.
14. Mohammad MOHAMMADI Trainee Constable MOHAMMADI was born in Iran and has a Bachelor in Business Management and a Master of Professional Accounting. He is currently coach of the Fahan School Volleyball Team, and Treasurer and Accountant for Volleyball Tasmania.
15. Nicholas PARSONS Trainee Constable PARSONS has a Diploma in Network Engineering and has been an IT Support Officer with Glenn Cameron Group in Victoria. He is an active member of the Central Coast Rotaract Club and was part of the Rotary Youth Leadership program.
16. Madison SHEPHERD Trainee Constable SHEPHERD has a Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting and has been working in a Launceston dental practice. She enjoys touch football and netball.
17. Oliver SMITH Trainee Constable SMITH has moved from NSW, where he was completing a Bachelor of Arts/Law at the University of NSW. He previously completed the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards and was a member of Sawtell Surf Lifesaving Club.
18. Rachael STEBBINGS Trainee Constable STEBBINGS has a Bachelor of Human Movement and Bachelor of Education. She has been a Health and Physical Education Teacher with Scotch Oakburn College, as well as a Netball Tasmania umpire.
19. Hephzibah STEPHENSON Trainee Constable STEPHENSON has a Certificate 2 in Financial Services and has been working throughout the state as a Relieving Officer with the Commonwealth Bank. She previously worked as a Fitness Instructor with Fernwood Launceston.
20. Connor YOUNG Trainee Constable YOUNG has a Certificate 4 in Government Investigations and has returned to Tasmania from Queensland, where he was a Military Dog Handler with the Australian Defence Force. He has a PADI open water diving certification and also enjoys playing soccer and cricket.

Anyone interested in joining Tasmania Police should visit the Join Us section of the website at www.police.tas.gov.au