Blackspot eradication trial to strengthen police capabilities

The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment with the announcement of the Queensland Police Service’s blackspot eradication trial.
Trial will see police vehicles and mobile kits fitted with modern and life-saving technology to improve communication and increase safety for frontline officers.
The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer, giving police the tools they need and rebuilding the frontline after a decade of decline under Labor.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment and making Queensland safer for the police frontline with the announcement of the Queensland Police Service’s blackspot eradication trial.

The trial will see police vehicles fitted with modern technology along with mobile kits, which will deliver high speed internet and critical communications to strengthen frontline capability and the ability to navigate blackspots particularly in rural and regional Queensland.

The trial - which will commence in the Western Downs region from March - delivers on a key election commitment of the Crisafulli Government to identify and eradicate communication blackspots for frontline officers to improve safety after the former Labor Government failed to do so.

It is just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and strengthening the frontline across the State after Labor’s decade of decline.

We are also delivering more police to the frontline to restore safety where you live by bolstering police numbers by 588 officers since the October 2024 election, compared with just 174 under Labor in four years.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the Crisafulli Government was delivering exactly as it promised.

“The Crisafulli Government is strengthening frontline capability by giving our police the laws and resources they need to do their jobs, including in rural and regional Queensland where blackspots can impact critical communications,” Minister Purdie said.

“It is important we learn from the Wieambilla massacre – including communication issues identified in a recent coronial inquest into the senseless deaths of constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow and neighbour Alan Dare – as we continue to make Queensland safer.

“Unlike the former Labor Government who neglected the frontline during their decade of decline, we are delivering this modern and life-saving technology but also bolstering police numbers across the State.

“The Crisafulli Government remains committed to restoring safety where you live but also ensuring the safety of our frontline officers.”

Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly said the Queensland Police Service is committed to improving the safety of police officers, leveraging enhanced technology in rural communities.

“These kits will enhance both radio and mobile phone connection in rural areas, better supporting our police with situational awareness and communication,” Deputy Kelly said.

“This technology will enhance our officer’s safety and operational effectiveness.

“The trial will support our rural frontline officers with the tools and resources they need to keep the community safe.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Samantha Scott, 0499 984 004