THE Cleveland police station will get a new constable after the coronavirus threat fast-tracked police graduations.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll announced the decision on Friday, saying it would reduce the risk of coronavirus being spread around Queensland's police academies and immediately boost the number of frontline officers.
Police recruits undergo a training regime that takes about six months.
There are currently four intakes of recruits at the Oxley campus and one at the Townsville campus.
More than 80 recruits who commenced their training at Oxley last September graduated on Friday, two weeks ahead of the scheduled date of April 2.
Police Minister Mark Ryan welcomed the Commissioner's decision.
"These are not ordinary times and we have to prepare for what lies ahead.
"The Police Commissioner's decision will also free up officers who would otherwise be involved in training those recruits, further supporting the number of officers on the front line."
Commissioner Carroll said the early graduation would not diminish the capability of graduates to perform their duties as police officers.
Redlands MP Kim Richards welcomed the news and said a first-year constable would be deployed to Cleveland Police Station.
"I'm pleased the Commissioner has taken this step to ensure the safety of both frontline officers, and the wider community," she said.
"It's good to know the Bayside will benefit from this decision."
Member for Capalaba Don Brown said the presence of first-year constables would go a long way towards boosting public safety.
