COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE DOWN BY 24%: SPENCE
Published Sunday, 08 July, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
The Queensland public has issued a vote of confidence in the Queensland Police Service, Police Minister Judy Spence said today.
Ms Spence said a dramatic drop in the number of complaints made against police shows the public are increasingly pleased with the work of officers in this state.
“During the 2006-07 financial year the number of complaints decreased by 24.4%, compared with the previous year,” Ms Spence said.
“This reduction is particularly significant, when you consider the on-going increase in police numbers in Queensland.
Ms Spence said the Queensland Police Service received 1,589 complaints in 2006/07 and the rate of complaints has dropped from 230.1 per 1,000 officers, to 171.4.
“In an organisation with over 9,500 employees, this is a good result,” Ms Spence said.
“Queensland police officers have one of the hardest jobs. They constantly face challenging situations, often dealing with unreasonable or agitated members of the public. Yet they manage to act with integrity and respect on almost all occasions.
“Police in Queensland deserve to be commended for acting with such honour and dedication.”
Ms Spence said ongoing improvements to the complaint management process ensure any complaints that are found to be legitimate are handled in the best possible manner.
“The Complaints, Other Matters, Processing and Statistical System (COMPASS) provides more accurate monitoring of complaints made by members of the public, the indigenous community or members of the Queensland Police Service who make complaints against fellow officers,” Ms Spence said.
“The system is now more transparent than ever, and the community is well aware of the various avenues for making a complaint.”
Ms Spence said police in Queensland are trained in ethical practices and operate under the doctrine “With Honour We Serve”.
“Officers in Queensland show a strong commitment towards ensuring ethical behaviour is practiced and encouraged throughout the service,” Ms Spence said.
“In 2006-07, more than 2,000 officers participated in special training courses run by the Ethical Practice Branch.
“The Ethical Standards Command also co-ordinates a range of programs aimed at improving professional standards, including internal witness support, risk management, corruption prevention, inspections, audits and evaluation of major Queensland Police Service initiatives.
“All of these measures go a long way towards ensuring we have one of the most transparent and professional police services in the world.”
More Information: Troy Davies – 3239 6218/ 0439 673 287
Ms Spence said a dramatic drop in the number of complaints made against police shows the public are increasingly pleased with the work of officers in this state.
“During the 2006-07 financial year the number of complaints decreased by 24.4%, compared with the previous year,” Ms Spence said.
“This reduction is particularly significant, when you consider the on-going increase in police numbers in Queensland.
Ms Spence said the Queensland Police Service received 1,589 complaints in 2006/07 and the rate of complaints has dropped from 230.1 per 1,000 officers, to 171.4.
“In an organisation with over 9,500 employees, this is a good result,” Ms Spence said.
“Queensland police officers have one of the hardest jobs. They constantly face challenging situations, often dealing with unreasonable or agitated members of the public. Yet they manage to act with integrity and respect on almost all occasions.
“Police in Queensland deserve to be commended for acting with such honour and dedication.”
Ms Spence said ongoing improvements to the complaint management process ensure any complaints that are found to be legitimate are handled in the best possible manner.
“The Complaints, Other Matters, Processing and Statistical System (COMPASS) provides more accurate monitoring of complaints made by members of the public, the indigenous community or members of the Queensland Police Service who make complaints against fellow officers,” Ms Spence said.
“The system is now more transparent than ever, and the community is well aware of the various avenues for making a complaint.”
Ms Spence said police in Queensland are trained in ethical practices and operate under the doctrine “With Honour We Serve”.
“Officers in Queensland show a strong commitment towards ensuring ethical behaviour is practiced and encouraged throughout the service,” Ms Spence said.
“In 2006-07, more than 2,000 officers participated in special training courses run by the Ethical Practice Branch.
“The Ethical Standards Command also co-ordinates a range of programs aimed at improving professional standards, including internal witness support, risk management, corruption prevention, inspections, audits and evaluation of major Queensland Police Service initiatives.
“All of these measures go a long way towards ensuring we have one of the most transparent and professional police services in the world.”
More Information: Troy Davies – 3239 6218/ 0439 673 287