Minister hails Townsville Rapid Action and Patrols Group trial a success

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller has today praised the work of Townsville Rapid Action and Patrols officers following the first release of results from the trial of the new proactive and agile policing group that started last year.

Commissioner Ian Stewart joined the Minister on a visit to the RAP, housed in a new policing hub with the Intelligence Unit as well as school-based police officers.

Minister Miller said the Townsville RAP trial had been a success.

"The Palaszczuk Labor Government is committed to keeping the people of Queensland safe and we support our police 100 per cent in their work here in Townsville,” Minister Miller said.

“Over the past few months, RAP officers have been out and about working well with our general duties officers, the Road Policing Command as well as detectives from Townsville’s criminal investigation branches to ensure a strong, visible police presence across the city.

“Since it began operations, RAP has responded to around 1,300 calls for service, attended to 7,750 street checks, issued 389 infringement notices and conducted more than 3,000 random breath tests.

“As a result of RAP’s hard work, a total of 728 charges have been laid against 351 people.

“This is good news for Townsville.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart said the RAP was currently targeting property and car thefts in the local area, but that officers had the ability to quickly refocus their work as other issues are identified. 

“The idea behind the RAP is to have a group of proactive and agile officers that are able to take a targeted approach to crime across the city, with the ability to hone in on particular hot spots and respond to new and emerging crime trends.

“The RAP is staffed with a Senior Sergeant and 30 officers who have the ability to rapidly respond to incidents as well as perform targeted patrols.

"Being housed in a hub along with the Townsville District Intelligence section ensures information can be analysed in real time to develop proactive strategies for officers to target identified problem people and places.

“Our school-based police officers who are also based at the Hub play a vital role in the team – ensuring we can quickly develop new strategies to work with at-risk youth and help break the cycle of crime early.”

Minister Miller said Townsville Police are playing a vital role in a whole-of-government approach to issues across the region.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government knows that we can make a bigger difference when we have everyone around the table talking, listening and consulting with each other.

“That’s why I’m pleased that Townsville Police have developed such strong relationships with other government agencies including Townsville Probation and Parole as well as my department of Queensland Corrective Services.

“Senior officers from the Department of Housing and Public Works also work closely with police to stamp out anti-social behaviour in public housing across Townsville.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is committed to keeping the people of Townsville safe, and we strongly support our hard-working and dedicated police in their effort to reduce crime across the city.”

Media contacts: 

Minister Miller’s office:                                         (Brent Davidson in Townsville) 0438 696 185

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