Tasmania Police Recruit Course 1/2020 will graduate today with 22 new Constables ready to serve and protect their community from next week.

“Ready to put their training into action are 11 women and 11 men who graduate as Constables from the Tasmania Police Academy today,” said Commander of Education and Training, Robert Blackwood.

“The graduating Constables have shown great resilience and adaptability, completing the rigorous recruit course which was faced with unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In addition to the rank of Constable, at the conclusion of their probationary year the new officers will each achieve an Associate Degree of Arts (Police Studies).

“In partnership with the University of Tasmania, the specialised educational training undertaken by recruits sees each officer undertaking study towards a university qualification – formally establishing policing as the skilled profession it is,” said Commander Blackwood.

From a range of backgrounds, three of our newest Constables have strong links to policing, with Constable Jim Hatton a former UK police officer, and Constables Jessica Leek and Amelia Wilkinson – the children of currently serving police officers.

“I congratulate all of the Constables graduating today, including Constable Jessica Newell who achieved the award of Dux, and Constable Toni Perkins who achieved the award of runner-up Dux,” Commander Blackwood.

Of the 22 new Constables, 5 will be stationed at Hobart; 1 at Bridgewater, 12 at Launceston, 1 at Burnie, and 3 at Devonport.

“On behalf of Tasmania Police I welcome our newest Constables as they join our ranks today,” said Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“I commend each of the graduating Constables for completing the rigorous course in what have been unprecedented times.

“Graduating from the Police Academy is a milestone moment in the career of a police officer. I stand with our newest officers as they graduate today and hope it will be a milestone moment in an enjoyable, long and fulfilling career for each of them,” said Commissioner Hine.