The Tasmania Police Academy at Rokeby has reached a major milestone, marking 50 years since opening its doors to train the state’s police officers.
Since 6 March 1976, 2,926 recruits have passed through the facility and gone on to serve Tasmanian communities.
Acting Commander Craig Joel said while the building’s exterior looks much the same, policing has changed dramatically since the 1970s.
“In the 1970s, the organisation looked very different, with fewer women in the Tasmania Police ranks and a training approach that was far less focused on the practical, real world scenarios that shape contemporary police training,” he said.
The academy has undergone major upgrades over the five decades, including a scenario simulation house and large-scale refurbishments of accommodation, offices, gym, library and auditorium facilities.
Joel said the milestone was a chance to recognise everyone who contributed to the academy’s success over the years.
“The ongoing success of the academy is driven by the passion, professionalism and commitment of the people who work here, delivering high quality training that prepares recruits for the realities of modern policing,” he said.
One standout example is retiring Constable Rod Warrington, who began his 48-year policing career at the academy on 15 February 1978.
After working across uniform, youth service and marine rescue, Warrington has spent the past 22 years in Operational Skills Training at the academy.
“He has played an integral part in developing the operational skills training for our recruits and police officers over this time and even has a namesake award given to the recruit who demonstrates the highest skill in this area upon graduation,” Joel said.
Joel said developments like the scenario simulation house gave recruits realistic, hands-on experiences that closely mirror operational challenges.
“While we honour the traditions that shaped the academy, Tasmania Police is proud to provide contemporary training that reflects the needs of today’s officers and the expectations of the community we serve,” he said.
