Graduating from the Tasmania Police Academy today, the newest Constables to join the ranks of Tasmania Police will hit the beat next Monday.

Having completed the rigorous 31 week training program, the 19 new Constables are ready to put their training into action, serving and protecting members of the community.

Graduating Constable Jeremy Blyth, 30, relocated from Flinders Island to Launceston with his wife and five children to pursue a career with Tasmania Police. Holding a Diploma in Applied Science and a Certificate III in Transport and Distribution; along with experience working in the merchant navy service (on oil tankers, research vessels, tugs and oil rig supply vessels), Constable Blyth can now add the distinction of being awarded Dux of Trainee Course 1/2016 to his list of achievements.

“Recruit training has been demanding,” said Constable Blyth. “I look forward to getting back into the community and being a positive influence where I can.”

With a Bachelor of Economics, a Bachelor of Law and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Constable Nicholas Cooper, 29, from Tranmere, now has the honour of being awarded Runner-Up Dux.

“I joined Tasmania Police after spending three years as a lawyer in Hobart,” said Constable Cooper.

“Policing is a job where you can’t predict what future challenges lie just around the corner, and I find it rewarding to see the practical effect of my work on people.

“Tasmania Police offers countless career opportunities, and in whatever opportunities that I take, my long-term career goal is to serve the community and make a positive difference on people,” Constable Cooper said.

Two Constables (both 19yrs) graduating today successfully completed the Tasmania Police Career Development Program (CDP) prior to applying to become members of Tasmania Police. The CDP gives grade 12 students first-hand experience of what they could expect as a police recruit.

“Coming straight out of College, recruit training was a huge adjustment. It was a shock to the system that I was not expecting. It was extremely challenging, hard, exciting and rewarding all at once. There was a new experience around every corner and I made great friendships along the way,” said Constable Hannah Wall.

“Throughout the course I have experienced support like I have never experienced before. The support from fellow course members and other people from the Academy was incredible. There were times where I was stretched to my limits with assignments, studying and physically hard and long days, but thanks to the great course that I was a part of, we all pulled each other across the line.” said Constable Wall.

Of the 19 Constables who graduate today, 6 will be stationed at Hobart; 7 at Launceston; 2 at Burnie; and 4 at Devonport.
“I congratulate the Constables on the successful completion of their training. Their dedication and commitment is evident as they stand proudly among their colleagues and peers,” said Commissioner Darren Hine.

“As a service we collectively welcome the Constables to the service and look forward to watching their careers develop, but for this graduation moment, we take time to celebrate this achievement with them all,” he said.