State Member for Pine Rivers, Carolyn Male MP, said that the strength of local police has been boosted with 18 recruits to be sent to Pine Rivers after graduating from the Oxley academy as First-Year Constables yesterday.

Carolyn Male MP welcomed the policing boost which would help ensure Pine Rivers remained a safe and secure place to live.

“The 18 recruits to be stationed in the Metropolitan North Region will greatly enhance police resources in our area, taking district police numbers to 1286,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“Over the past 7 months of training at the academy, these 18 recruits have proven that they meet the high standards expected of the police service and the wider community,” Carolyn Male MP said

“Police perform a vital role in upholding public safety in our community and I welcome these newest officers to our area.”

Carolyn Male MP said the Bligh Government’s 2010 budget announced this week provided a massive $1.816 billion for the Queensland Police Service - a $110 million increase on the previous year.

“This local boost to police resources is proof that the Bligh Government is delivering on its 3 year commitment to provide an additional 600 police positions,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“This record budget includes funding for 203 additional police positions this year, ensuring Queenslanders everywhere will benefit from enhanced frontline services.”

“I will continue to lobby the Government to ensure the local community gets our fair share of funding and police services to keep with growing demands.”