Mount Isa Police department welcomes three new officers fresh from Townsville Police Academy this week.
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Constables Leanne Ernst, Kelly Gijsbertsen, and James Newton are “very excited” to be embarking on new careers in their first choice of town.
“This is where all of us all wanted to go. We’re very happy that we got our first preference,” says Constable Ernst.
Senior Sergeant Renee Hanrahan said the new intakes roll through the academy on a consistent basis.
“So we all have new officers attend the districts throughout the year,” she said. “It’s always good to have new staff here to experience the opportunities this region presents. They’re quite unique as opposed to the Southeastern corner.”
Constable Ernst, a former personal trainer in Cairns, recognises the chance for fast learning on the job.
“I believe you can get a lot more opportunities as a first year here to do things that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to do in other towns,” she said.
Ex-pat Kiwi, Constable Gijsbertsen has spent the last eight years in Townsville working in security and hospitality. This is her first time in Mount Isa.
“I like the place. It’s bigger than I thought,” she laughs.
Born in Western Australia, Constable James Newton served in the Army for nearly eight years. He said it was an easy transition to “a similar job” in the Queensland Police Service.
All three officers remarked on the supportive and welcoming environment they’ve found in the town and the station so far.
“Everybody works together as a team here, and they all jump in to help each other. It’s nice to come into that real family-based station where everybody’s out to help you progress and do your job,” Constable Gijsbertsen said.
Everybody works together as a team here, and they all jump in to help each other
- Constable Kelly Gijsberten
The trio has already started general duties on the front line, answering calls and attending call outs.
Their experience so far has been busy and varied.
“It depends on the shift and what’s happening.” Constable Newton said.
Constable Ernst agreed.
“What you get called for isn’t always what you end up doing. It’s always different and that’s one of the best things about this job - you learn fast and you learn on your feet. You’re there to help the people you’re rocking up for,” she said.
They join around 60 duty offices in Mount Isa.
