Action plan for Gold Coast

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller has today announced a four point action plan to address recent policing issues on the Gold Coast.

Minister Miller and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart held top-level talks today to finalise the action plan, which will expand on work already being done by an independent review into these issues.

“The Commissioner and I have determined that, in addition to the independent review into workplace culture on the Gold Coast, a number of proactive measures can be taken to enhance policing.

The four point action plan:

• Appoint a senior police officer to commence an immediate review into current and recent complaints involving use of force allegations on the Gold Coast and statewide;
• Priority roll out of Body-Worn Video cameras to frontline police on the Gold Coast;
• Fast-track the body of work already underway on community engagement;
• Immediate appointment of Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd to the South Eastern Region. (Formerly Chief Superintendent, Ethical Standards Command)

Minister Miller said the Palaszczuk Government expects the highest standards of policing to be maintained at all times from the top of the organisation down.

“The people of Queensland would expect nothing less. That’s why the QPS already has a rigorous process in place to investigate all complaints against police through the Ethical Standards Command,” Minister Miller said.

“It is important to remember that our police service is made up of extremely professional and hard-working women and men.

“We also know that policing on the Gold Coast can be extremely challenging and we know that our officers there are extremely resilient. I pay tribute to them for all they do to keep the community safe.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart said on average, there are around 1.5 million interactions a year between the police and the public on the Gold Coast.

“Of these, only a handful are questionable, and I can assure you that each and every one of those are rigorously investigated,” Commissioner Stewart said.

[ENDS] September 9

Media contacts:

Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185

Police Media (3015 2444)