QPS bolsters ability to detect drug drivers

Police are sending a strong message to drug drivers that their behaviour will not be tolerated on Queensland roads, with an increase in officers trained to perform roadside drug tests.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller joined Police Commissioner Ian Stewart today to announce the increase.

“Common sense tells us that drugs can significantly affect someone’s skill and reaction time behind the wheel. Put simply – it reduces your ability to drive safely,” Minister Miller said.

“The community doesn’t accept people getting behind the wheel after a big night out drinking – so we need to ensure we adopt the same attitude towards people driving under the influence of drugs.”

In December 2014 the Road Policing Command commenced the Statewide Roadside Drug Testing Deployment Project to increase the QPS’ ability to perform the tests.

Commissioner Stewart said the project had been a success, with an additional 238 Road Policing Unit officers certified to undertake roadside drug testing.

“Prior to the Statewide Roadside Drug Testing Deployment Project, the QPS had 53 officers trained in roadside drug testing. By the end of March there will be 291,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“This expansion gives us the ability to test even more drivers, right across the state.”

A total of 130,144 roadside drug tests have been conducted by the QPS since it wasintroduced in Queensland in 2007.

From July 2013 to June 2014, 23,997 roadside drug tests were conducted resulting in 1,873 drivers testing positive for a relevant drug. This is a detection rate of one offender per 13 tests.

Minister Miller said the Palaszczuk Government supported the Queensland Police Service 100 per cent in their effort to rid the state’s roads of drug drivers.  

“If you get behind the wheel while on drugs, you’re not only putting your own life at risk, you’re also putting the lives of innocent Queenslanders at risk – and that is completely unacceptable.”

Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd thanked the Queensland Police Service for their commitment to keeping local motorists safe.

“This announcement is good news for people across this area who use major roads like South Pine Road every day.

“When you leave home to drive to work, you shouldn’t have to be worried that someone is selfishly putting your life at risk by choosing to get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs.

“I want to thank the Queensland Police Service for their relentless focus on keeping our local roads safe.“

Media Contact:  0438 696 185 (Brent Davidson)