Tasmania’s thin blue line has become a little bigger with 21 new constables graduating from the Police Academy today.
Aged between 18 and 42, the cohort includes seven women and 14 men, who will be posted to stations in Bellerive, Hobart, Launceston, Glenorchy, Devonport, Bridgewater and Burnie.
Among them: a plumber, a wool handler and a Stormriders store manager who are swapping tools and shop floors for the front line of policing.
Constable Liam George was awarded Dux of the course and will be stationed in Launceston, where he was brought up.
“I’ve wanted to be a police officer since I was a teenager, and am looking forward to working in the community where I grew up,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity.”
George, who previously worked at Liquorland, said he joined the force to find his purpose and was interested in a career where every day would be different.
Constable Rachel Hosie received the UTAS Emerging Leader Award alongside Constable Cody Welsh.
Hosie, who holds a degree in medical research, said she initially considered policing during college but took a different path before returning to the idea.
“I found that I wanted a bit more of a challenge, and policing felt like the best option for me,” she said.
“I’ve been loving it ever since.”
She said the calibre of female leadership in Tasmania Police was something to look up to.
“The commissioner is the first female commissioner of the police and she’s inspiring and the commander of education is a big inspiration for everyone as well.”
Commissioner of Police Donna Adams told the graduation audience that 71% of Tasmanians were satisfied with their police force, the highest rate of any state in the country.
“The community expects you to uphold the values and own your own decisions,” she told the new Constables.
“Your choices carry weight.”
“It’s important to know who you are when no one is watching.”
She acknowledged the support of loved ones in attendance had played in them getting this far.
“This is your celebration as much as theirs,” she told the crowd.
Outgoing JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan also addressed the graduates and thanked them for their acts of service in joining the force.
Acting Commander Brenda Orr said the recruits had already demonstrated real commitment and resilience during their 28-week training program.
“I look forward to seeing the contribution they will make to policing in Tasmania,” she said.
“As we often say, it’s one job with endless opportunities.”
The graduation marks the first recruit course completion for 2026, with further courses scheduled throughout the year.
