Sixteen new constables officially graduated from the Tasmania Police Academy on September 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone in their law enforcement careers. Among the graduates, Constable Cameron Parker from Launceston was awarded dux of the course, while Constable Felicity Elmer from Devonport received the runner-up dux accolade. The event was attended by Commissioner Donna Adams and Commander Damien George, who celebrated the accomplishments of the new officers.
Constable Parker, aged 19, has a notable family legacy in Tasmania Police. His father, John Parker, retired after 45 years, with his final role as Officer-in-Charge at Oatlands. His grandfather, Richard Parker, served as a Detective Sergeant, and his great-grandfather, Stan Crocker, was a state trooper. “Joining Tasmania Police is definitely something that’s been on my radar for a while,” Constable Parker shared. “I have been lucky enough to see the job through my dad’s eyes, and policing has always been in the family.”
Constable Elmer, who is 21 years old, expressed pride in overcoming the challenges of the recruit program, which she described as pushing her out of her comfort zone. “I was pretty proud that I made it through this entire course, and also proud of everyone else around me,” she stated. Her connection to the force is also significant; her mother, Michelle Elmer, holds the position of Detective Inspector with the Western Division.
The graduation ceremony at the Rokeby Police Academy was part of a continuing commitment to bolster the ranks of Tasmania Police. This graduating class represents the fifth group of constables for 2025, following previous graduations in January (22), April (15), July (30), and September (25).
The new constables, 10 men and 6 women, range in age from 19 to 50 and bring diverse life and career experiences to their new roles. Among them, Bethany Reid, 26, a former disability services worker, will be stationed in Launceston. She highlighted the importance of her past job in equipping her with skills to engage with a wide variety of people. “The training I have just completed gave me more confidence in myself and taught me how to approach different situations,” she noted.
Another graduate, Lynda Deverell, 46, previously a registered nurse, will patrol in Burnie. She is married to a police officer and shared her excitement about starting her new career. The recruits will now be assigned to stations across various locations, including Burnie, Devonport, Launceston, Hobart, Bellerive, and Bridgewater.
Acting Commander Vanessa Castle acknowledged the rigorous 28-week training that the new constables completed. “I congratulate all our recruits on their graduation. While they should be justly proud of their efforts so far, this is just the start of their journey with Tasmania Police,” she stated. “Our recruits are stepping into roles that are anything but ordinary, with each shift offering a new opportunity to serve and engage with our communities.”
Among the graduates, Constable Claire Eaton, a former sports administrator and soccer referee, earned the dux of the course. The 24-year-old expressed enthusiasm for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in her policing career. The runner-up dux, Constable Patrick Denny, 25, previously worked as a radio dispatch officer for Queensland Police.
With the graduation of these constables, the total number of new recruits for Tasmania Police in 2025 has reached 92. Acting Commander Castle encouraged those interested in the rewarding field of policing to consider a career with Tasmania Police, emphasizing the dynamic and impactful nature of the work.
