When Cameron Parker was growing up, policing was part of everyday life.
His father John spent 45 years with Tasmania Police. His grandfather was a detective sergeant and his great-grandfather a state trooper.
On Friday, the 19-year-old continued the family tradition, graduating as dux of course from the police academy at Rokeby.
“I suppose I’m lucky enough to have been able to see the job through my dad’s eyes … which definitely made it easier for me to understand what I was actually getting myself into,” he said.
“Policing’s always been in the family. It’s definitely been something I’ve wanted to do since childhood.”
Runner-up dux Felicity Elmer, 21, is also following in family footsteps.
She is the daughter of Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer and her uncle is a serving officer.
“I wanted to apply straight out of college and mum was like, I think you should explore some other things, get a bit of life experience,” she said.
“[That was] the best advice I was given. I’ve applied a few years later and I feel like it’s really set me up for success.”
Parker and Elmer were among 16 recruits – 10 men and six women – who graduated after completing an intensive 28-week training program.
Commissioner Donna Adams and Commander Damien George attended the ceremony to congratulate the new constables, who ranged in age from 19 to 45.
Commander George said he was confident all graduates would thrive in their new careers.
“Each of our recruits should be proud of what they have achieved so far,” he said.
“A career in Tasmania Police is anything but ordinary. Each shift brings a new opportunity to serve and engage with our communities.”
Both top recruits described the course as challenging and confidence-building, pushing them well outside their comfort zones.
For Parker, that included learning to shoot – something he had never done before joining the academy.
“It puts you out of your comfort zone, but it is such a rewarding experience,” he said.
“It’s definitely improved me, not only as a police officer, but also a person.”
The graduating class came from diverse backgrounds, with former jobs ranging from hairdressing and youth work to teacher assistance and fitting and turning.
Despite their family connections, both Parker and Elmer said they were focused on carving out their own careers.
“I’ll obviously take on board her advice and welcome it,” Elmer said of her mother’s guidance.
“But I also want to forge my own path and make my own decisions … about how I go about things.”
Friday’s ceremony was the fifth police graduation of 2025, with the new constables joining the 1,454 officers currently serving with Tasmania Police.
They will be posted to stations across the state – including Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie and Glenorchy – from next week.
