Extra 20 police officers to join Townsville RAP

Published Friday, 23 June, 2017 at 12:45 PM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Mark Ryan

Twenty extra Rapid Action Patrol police officers will boost frontline services in Townsville reaffirming the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to prioritise the safety and security of our State through increased resources and infrastructure.

Minister for Police Mark Ryan said that the injection of funds is to ensure the operational requirements of all frontline officers are met in order to keep the Queensland community safe.

“The Queensland Government will continue to ensure Queensland communities receive the resources they need to maintain safety and security,” Minister Ryan said.

“The safety of everyone in this state is top priority for the Palaszczuk Government and that is why we have invested in facilities like Westgate, a Fire and Rescue fleet renewal program and infrastructure for increased prison industries.

“I’m pleased to say that this Budget will deliver 50 extra police to hit the beat, 27 new FTE firefighter positions and 243 additional correctional staff members.”

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the Townsville RAP group is all about using modern policing strategies to proactively target crime hot spots and respond to new and emerging crime trends across the city.

“The QPS recognises that in today’s environment we need our officers to be mobile and agile so that they can quickly refocus their work as issues arise,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“The Townsville RAP has been pivotal in addressing community safety concerns across the city over the past twelve months.

“By increasing the capability of the unit, we are confident RAP will continue to build on its achievements across the district into the future.”

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said people in Townsville deserved to feel safe in their own homes and community.

"This is why we have put on an extra 20 Rapid Action Patrol (RAP) officers in Townsville, funded under this year’s Budget, to drive down crime.

"It's important that our police have all the resources they need to ensure they can do their job to improve community safety as part of our government's multi-agency approach to addressing crime.

"Together with initiatives like the Stronger Communities Action Group and the Community Youth Response, our government is working hard to make our communities feel safe."

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said he is delighted to see the RAP expansion.

“Townsville RAP has been pivotal in addressing community safety concerns across the city over the past twelve months and we are very thankful for the 20 extra QPS officers.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the additional police for Townsville would be welcomed by local police and the broader community to help reduce crime rates in Townsville and drive towards a safer community.

"The Palaszczuk Government has been working endlessly with all levels of government and agencies in working towards a solution to reduce crime in our City and I thank the Police Minister for ensuring we have the frontline officers to drive this agenda,” Mr Harper said.

FAST FACTS

  • QPS will expand Townsville RAP by an extra 20 officers in 2017/2018.
  • Officers will boost current approved strength of 25 (22 senior constable / constables, two sergeants and one senior sergeant).
  • Townsville RAP delivers a 24/7 proactive policing service to the community specifically targeting property crime and community safety issues.

Media contacts

Minister Ryan’s Office:                                                                  Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media:                                                                                 Ph: (07) 3015 2444