Policing resources delivered to Townsville

Queensland’s second Rapid Action Policing Hub has been announced for Townsville, promising better, targeted operations and more police, in a move that will improve safety for residents in the city.

Premier Campbell Newman said the Hub delivered on the election promise to revitalise frontline services and showed the Queensland Government had a strong plan for a brighter future.

“The Townsville Police Hub will deliver more police undertaking proactive and targeted patrols that will keep downward pressure on crime,” Mr Newman said.

“The former Labor government ignored crime in the region, and still has no plan for the city’s future and no position on reducing the number of criminal offences.

“Under this Government the Hub will be delivered in 2014 and will ensure that we can continue the positive results already seen across the city.

“It is also exciting to announce that in addition to the 500 iPads and iPhones delivered to officers across Queensland, every hub officer will be equipped with this technology.”

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the Rapid Action Policing Hub would not only include targeted operations but also additional officers to Townsville.

“The Government has already delivered over an additional 30 police since 2012 to the city of Townsville as part of our election promise of 1,100 additional police over four years,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Under Labor, the Queensland Police Service was understaffed, under resourced and neglected, but we are committed to revitalising frontline policing services.

“We will fund an additional 22 police for Townsville to service the hub and the growing community.”

Member for Thuringowa Sam Cox said that the Government was delivering on the needs of the Townsville community through the delivery of additional resources.

“The Queensland Government has listened to the residents of Townsville and has delivered more officers, more technology and less crime in our city,” Mr Cox said.

“I welcome the commitment to fund an additional 22 police in Townsville following on from my wide consultation with local officers and residents.

“The Hub will ensure we continue the great successes already seen through Operation Amber and Adamant which have seen property crime reduce by over 20%.”

[ENDS] 27 May 2014                                    

Media Contacts: Premier: Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351 Minister Dempsey: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821