Palaszczuk Government boosts police by 400 officers to keep Queenslanders safe

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced her Government will provide an additional 400 police officers over the next four years as part of its commitment to keep Queenslanders safe.

The Premier said the announcement was in addition to the more than 300 officers the Government had added since its election in 2015, taking the total Queensland Police Service to 11,800 full-time equivalent officers.

“My Government is committed to keeping Queenslanders safe,” the Premier said.

“By restoring our frontline services – in our schools, our hospitals and in our communities – we can ensure people have greatest access to services and support.”

“These appointments to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) will boost the police presence in communities from the far north to the Gold Coast.

“We will boost resources for key areas of policing such as counter terrorism, serious organised crime and domestic violence.

“We have allocated record budgets for the QPS from $2.117 billion in 2015-16 in our first Budget to $2.37 billion in the State Budget in June.”

“My Government is grateful for the work of the men and women of the Queensland Police Service.  We back our police with the resources they want, they powers they need and the pay they deserve.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart said he appreciated the support to increase the police presence across the state.

“The Queensland Police Service is committed to stopping crime and making the community safer,” the Commissioner said.

“An increase in police numbers will further enable the QPS to target the areas of greatest need with additional resources.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan said since the Palaszczuk Government was elected, 1026 First Year Constables have hit the beat and another 41 are due to graduate next week.

“The Palaszczuk Government has given these hardworking officers more body worn cameras (BWCs), QLiTE tablets and better pay and conditions,” he said. 

“Frontline officers have already received more than 2700 as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $6 million commitment to improve safety equipment for police. Eventually 5100 cameras will be available for police.

“While 5400 mobile (QLiTE) devices rolled out to police statewide are helping solve more crimes, and improve officer and community safety.”

Mr Ryan said in terms of counter-terrorism, the Government had allocated $33 million for an extra 30 police to join the counter-terrorism team and 20 police for regional hotspots and committed $46.7 million over three years for a world-class use of force, weapons and counter-terrorism facility at Wacol in the last State Budget.

Other key investments the Palaszczuk Government has already made include:

• increased funding of $39.1 million over four years to better equip police to tackle serious and organised crime across the State, including financial crimes, firearms offences, drug crimes, child exploitation rings, cybercrime, and criminal networks and organised crime syndicates. This funding was in addition to a $4.5 million commitment for a state-wide blitz on child exploitation material; and
• making the renowned Taskforce Maxima into a permanent squad as part of the Organised Crime and Gangs Group (OCGG), armed with more resources and tough new laws to continue its fight against Outlaw Motor Cycle Gangs (OCMG) and other organised crime groups.

The Premier also announced the Government had allocated $1.75M funding over four years to help Crime Stoppers continue its crime-solving partnership with the community.

“A call to Crime Stoppers may be the final piece of information Police need to break a case, and my Government is proud to deliver $1.75 million in funding to continue this vital community service,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This four year commitment will ensure Queensland Crime Stoppers can keep its independent call centre open to field telephone tips about suspicious or criminal activity from the public and share vital information with the Queensland Police Service.

“I want to remind all Queenslanders, sometimes it’s one call, one report, or one piece of information that is the key to solving a major case and giving peace of mind to the victims of crime.”

Unlike other states, Queensland Crime Stoppers is supported by a dedicated local volunteer committees who work to ensure the community members have a place to call if they want to share information, but remain anonymous.

Link to pictures from the joint announcement on Queensland Police Service recruits https://www.dropbox.com/sh/o0rc0nhctgzhybu/AABqPILlzYyhpuCUtDNDr6eqa?dl=0

Media Contact:

Premier’s Office:                Susan McGrady      0488 996 667           

Minister Ryan’s Office:      Emma McBryde      0447 155 332