Community Policing Boards launched in Queensland

Police Minister Bill Byrne and Acting Assistant Commissioner Ron Van Saane today launched Community Policing Boards to enhance safety and security in communities throughout Queensland.

Community Policing Boards will bring a fresh approach and opportunity for local organisations and individuals to work together with police on strategies to address crime and safety issues in the community.

The boards will be made up of local police and community representatives such as not for profit organisations; local business; chamber of commerce; and relevant State, local and Commonwealth Government agencies, as well as other individuals who can help address specific issues.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Van Saane encouraged the community to support this partnership which would encourage more interaction and a sense of responsibility between communities and police.

“A minimum of four Community Policing Board meetings will be held in each police district every year, providing an opportunity for the community to not only raise issues, but also to be a part of the solution,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Van Saane said.

“The Queensland Police Service is committed to working tirelessly in conjunction with locals to make communities safer. The introduction of Community Policing Boards will help us achieve this objective.”

Community Policing Boards will work symbiotically with existing organisations to ensure community outcomes and expectations are met.

The Queensland Police Service is determined to work with the community and other key partners to focus on crime and crime reduction throughout the state.

Minister for Police Bill Byrne said the Palaszczuk Government made a commitment at the last State election that we will create Community Policing Boards to give local people a voice when it came to crime issues in their communities.

“Following today’s launch, the 15 Community Boards located across all police districts in Queensland will commence their first meetings,” Minister Byrne said.

“We made a commitment to all Queenslanders that this government will not tolerate any form of crime in our State, and these Community Policing Boards are one mechanism that will help address and reduce crime in our communities.

“We have committed more than $400,000 over three years to ensure the success of the Community Police Boards which will focus on crime issues as well as finding and implementing strategies to reduce the burden of each community’s social problems on police.

“Community Policing Boards may organically evolve over time taking on a broader focus, becoming a transparent portal between the police district and the community providing real-time solutions and feedback to contemporary issues.

“I am excited to deliver on this election commitment and look forward to tracking the progress of the Community Policing Boards across the State.”

Media contacts

Minister Byrne’s Office:                                                                Ph: 0478325738