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Brief History 1950 - 1978

1950 - Police Strength
	The Service was staffed by 2,030 sworn personnel, 10 women police and 30 trackers. The State population had reached one million.
1951 - Central Communications
	The central communications room at the Criminal Investigation Branch, Brisbane, came into operation in February 1951. This room was connected by four landlines to the Police wireless station and became the new nerve centre of police communications in the State.
1952 - 80 Hour Fortnight
	In 1952, a new award was introduced directing members of the Police Force to work an 80 hour fortnight.
1958 - Swearing-In Parades
	Passing-out parades, in which Probationaries are sworn-in and make their first appearance as constables, were introduced on May 29, 1958 and on August 29 that year the Queensland Police Pipe Band made its first appearance.
1963 - Juvenile Aid Bureau
	In a practical approach to the problem of juvenile crime, the Department established a Juvenile Aid Bureau on May 14, 1963. The assistance rendered by members of the Bureau was quickly recognised by employers, parents, social workers and other various sections of the community, and staff members were soon increased.
1964 - Centenary Celebrations
	1964 marked the Centenary of the Qld Police Force and a week of celebrations were held from April 13 to 19.
1965 - Women Sworn-In
	In March, eight women were sworn into the force for the first time. They had no power of arrest and performed mainly office duties and duties involving women and children. The same year, 101 years after the establishment of the Police Department, an Act was passed giving policewomen the same powers as male officers.
1969 - Chelmer College and Oxley Academy
	September 1969 saw the formation of a committee to consider the development of a long-term police training programme. A building at Chelmer in Brisbane was purchased and modified to provide accommodation for 27 live-in students. The Queensland Police College opened as an in-service training centre on January 27, 1970. Major development of the Queensland Police Academy complex at Oxley was completed in 1972.
1971 - Assistant Commissioners
	Major administrative changes were also made in 1970-71, including the appointment of three Assistant Commissioners who had responsibility mainly for administration, crime and traffic. Four geographic police regions were created at centred around Brisbane, Toowoomba, Rockhampton and Townsville.
1975 - Full Mechanisation and Air Wing
	As the State's urban and country population grew, the Police Force became more automated, phasing out the use of bicycles and horses and purchasing more cars and motorcycles. In October 1975, the Police Air Wing became operational following the purchase of two single-engine aircraft.

Last updated 04/09/2007