'It's been fantastic': Northern recruits bring fresh perspective to police

Updated 3 hours ago by Owen Sinclair

A new wave of police recruits has hit the beat over Christmas, as Tasmania Police cites a record-high number of applicants entering the academy.

Two of the six recruits to start in-field training at the Launceston Police Station this month were special constables Sam Dick, 19, and Thomas Williams, 31.

Born and raised in Launceston, special constable Dick said becoming a police officer was at the front of his mind in his last few years of school.

"The idea of being able to go out and help in the community, and do something bigger than myself, was something that really appealed to me," special constable Dick said.

Together with his peers, special constable Dick has been studying in the Northern-based police course at the University of Tasmania Newnham campus.

"Being based up here in Launceston, living here, it's been a real advantage for me to still live at home for the last 20 weeks," he said.

On Monday, December 22, the special constables were inducted at the Launceston Police Station.

While they come from different backgrounds, both are looking forward to serving the community after they graduate and begin earning their stripes.

Policing is in special constable Williams' blood, with his father, grandfather and some uncles sworn officers with Victoria Police.

Seeing a chance to forge his own path, special constable Williams made the move across the Bass Strait and started his training at the Police Academy in Rokeby.

"Tasmania Police Force seemed like a great option for me," he said.

"And it's been fantastic since I stepped foot in the door."

A day after his induction, special constable Williams was able to put what he had learned in his course into practice.

Under the eye of senior officers, he attended family violence incidents and made his first arrest.

"It was all done safely, well and really smooth, so it was good for myself and obviously the person we were dealing with at the time, too," special constable Williams said.

Since the beginning of Tasmania Police's current recruitment drive starting in 2023, the number of recruit courses has doubled.

Launceston Police Station Inspector Aleena Crack said the in-field training provides recruits the chance to put their learning into practice in real-world situations, while building strong relationships with community and colleagues.

"Tasmania Police is proud of its recent recruitment efforts, which have seen record numbers of recruits entering the academy," Inspector Crack said.

The six recruits have been working over the festive season in the Launceston division, and are set to graduate from the Police Academy on Friday, February 13.

After that, it's straight to work.

"We're all pretty keen to get stuck into it," special constable Williams said.