Making difference on front line: Jesslyn Dare

Originally published for International Women’s Day 2025. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we’re revisiting some of the inspiring women whose stories continue to shape the City of Moreton Bay.

As Moreton Bay marks International Women’s Day 2026, stories like Jesslyn's remain just as powerful as when we first shared them.

Last year, we featured Senior Constable Jesslyn Dare as part of our International Women’s Day coverage, highlighting her drive, determination and commitment to serving the community.

Twelve months on, her story continues to reflect the resilience, courage and leadership of the women on our front line. Here is her story.

Making difference on front line

For Redcliffe Police Station Senior Constable Jesslyn Dare, being able to help someone, at often one of the worst times of their life, makes her job on the front line rewarding.

As we celebrate International Women's Day today, we're shining a light on women on the front line.

Jesslyn has been a police officer for six years, graduating from the North Queensland Police Academy at Townsville in 2020 and being posted to Yeppoon for two years, before transferring to Redcliffe.

“I always knew I wanted to be part of emergency services and when I left school, I initially started studying paramedicine at university,” she explains.

“I eventually decided this wasn’t for me and began talking with a cousin who was a police officer in the Gladstone dog squad. I decided I liked the sound of the job and thought it would be a rewarding career, and I applied.”

Every Shift, A New Challenge

At Redcliffe Police Station, she works as a general duties officer.

“I am also a qualified firearm, taser and physical skills instructor as well as a field training officer. In my spare time I also assist dog squad with their training, as working in that unit is a career goal of mine,” she says.

“I enjoy that every day is different, and I never know what I’m going to walk into. I like the unpredictability of the job and having to think on my feet.

“I enjoy being able to help people and make a positive impact on their lives.”  

Being a woman in a male-dominated career has been one of the most challenging aspects of the job.

“I want my colleagues to walk into a job with me, having the same confidence they would as if they were working with a male,” Jesslyn says.

“I have worked very hard to build a good reputation and for my colleagues to have the same confidence in me that I have in them.

“Since becoming a police officer, I learnt I am capable of a lot more than I think. I enjoy the challenges of the job and it’s these challenges that make me a better officer.”

When asked if there has been a woman who has inspired her personally or professionally, Jesslyn says: “I am inspired by any person who sets goals and puts in the work to achieve these and pushes their limits to better themselves.

“Specifically, my mum has been a significant inspiration. She’s beaten breast cancer twice and she is the one who taught me all my values and encouraged me to apply for (the) police (service).

Jesslyn advises women considering a policing career to set goals and do whatever they can to achieve them.

“Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. To women of any age, who want a career where they make a difference, I highly recommend considering a career in policing.”

To find out about a career with Queensland Police Service, visit police.qld.gov.au

More from our International Women’s Day 2026 series

You can read more stories celebrating women across the City of Moreton Bay here.

Meet Moreton Bay’s Business Woman of the Year: Candice Kiss

Leading with purpose: Tash Wheeler

Service to lifesaving: Lynda Barry

A lifetime in hockey: Jenny Heron

This story is part of our International Women’s Day 2026 coverage. Explore more local profiles and features here.