New recruits about to head out on beat Townsville gains 15 officers to meet election promise

THOMAS Fraanstedt will continue his Swedish family legacy in Australia and live out an almost lifelong dream to become a police officer as one of 46 new recruits commencing their training in Townsville.

Undergoing full training now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased, 35 men and 11 women will take part in the 25 week course, having already completed a four week online component.

Recruits arrived at the academy in late June where they’ll undergo training in physical skills, driving, firearms and field craft.

Recruit Fraanstedt said he hoped to be on the beat by December 10, with the training program dependant on a potential outbreak of a second wave of coronavirus.

“So far so good. We spent four weeks online before we got down here and then from that June 22 date and into the classrooms it’s been really good,” he said.

“Previous family members were in the Swedish police.

“It’s just a good way to give back to the community that has given me an opportunity to stay here.

“It’s tricky because we have to l learn to be hands on, but we try a and sanitise as much as we can, keep good hygiene and keep away from each other as best we can.”

Police Commissioner Katarina C Carroll and Police Minister Mark Ryan visited Townsville yesterday to meet with the new recruits, 15 of whom will remain in Townsville to fill vacancies created by retirements and transfers.

There was a celebratory feel in t the air from the Labor minister w who spruiked the new recruits as the final delivery of their election commitment for 53 extra police for Townsville, two years early.

With all positions filled, it is one of the key aspects of the party’s five point plan to combat crime in the North.

Mr Ryan said the Government was steadfast in its promise to provide the extra manpower for the Townsville community.

“Since the Government was elected there’s been 104 extra police delivered to Townsville, 53 since the last election and that is two years early,” he said.

“It’s very good to be able to deliver on our election commitments but it’s even more important for us to be able to say to the Townsville community that there has been a significance investment in policing here.”

Mr Ryan also noted a change in court behaviour since implementing a tougher stance on bail, citing a 100 per cent strike rate in remanding young people when bail was appealed.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll was in Townsville to conduct an operational performance review of the district to see how that five point plan was playing out.

She said a major review within 12-18 months would measure the plan’s effectiveness.