The State’s latest recruits are hitting the beat, with 20 new Constables graduating from the Tasmania Police Academy today.

The Dux of the Course has been awarded to Constable Neil Evans who came into the course with a Bachelor of Law, with the Runner-Up Dux being awarded to Constable Elmar van Breda, an immigrant from South Africa who originally came to Tasmania to continue his career as an underground mine surveyor.

Constable Evans, 45, formerly of Queensland and New South Wales, will be stationed in Burnie, and is looking forward to being able to help people within the community who aren’t able to help themselves.

“Even the smallest contribution has a ripple effect and has the tendency to help many.  My goals are to serve out 20 years until my retirement.  I hope to learn most things about the job whilst on the watch, but look forward to doing stints in Road and Public Order Services, Criminal Investigation Branch, Surveillance, Drug Investigation Services and Prosecution,” Constable Evans said.

Constable van Breda, 39, who lives on the North-West Coast, will also be stationed at Burnie and is excited about the diversity in roles the service offers its employees.

“I’d like to concentrate on becoming a good general duties officer, but in the future I would like to work in CIB and Drug Investigation and I’m also interested in being part of the Search and Rescue team. I look forward to making a positive impact on the people I deal with while on the watch,” Constable van Breda said.

Of the 20 Constables graduating today, 3 are heading to Burnie Station, 1 is being posted to Devonport, 4 will head to Launceston and 12 are posted to Hobart.

“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 look forward to watching their careers develop, but for this graduation moment, we take time to celebrate this achievement with them all,” he said.

“We are a proud service of strong values of equality and accountability,” said Commissioner Hine.