New cops on the beat and ready to hit the streets

CAIRNS’ new crop of cops came looking for a job with a bit of variety and seem certain to have found it when they work their first shift on Christmas Eve.

New police Constables Stephanie Bean and Ben Kuhanez will hit the beat tomorrow with 18 of their colleagues after graduating from the Townsville police academy last week.

With respective backgrounds in retail and manufacturing it is a serious change of pace, but the pair say they are excited.

“I like the idea of coming to work and not knowing what you’re going to do every day,” Constable Bean said.

“I have heard it’s going to be very busy with lots of different jobs.”

The officers will spend their first year working alongside a more senior officer.

Some of the group will be shifted between the Cairns, Smithfield and Edmonton stations, while others have been assigned to stations further afield.

Constable Kuhanez said he was looking forward to getting out on the road.

“Just the learning curve and dealing with different situations,” he said.

Northern region Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said this was the largest intake the Far North had had in few years.

“They’ll boost our numbers on the street and it’s a great opportunity during this first 12 months working with senior officers to hone their skills and develop into well rounded officers,” he said.