Published Monday, 17 March, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Brisbane’s Police Bike Squad leading the way in two-wheeled policing
They are some of Queensland’s fittest police officers – and Police Minister Judy Spence has revealed, the Brisbane Central District Bike Squad is making real headway in fighting crime.
Ms Spence today commended the squad of 15 fulltime officers, for their commitment to keeping the city’s streets and pathways safe.
“These energetic and motivated officers are making a real difference around the city’s centre, improving community safety and reducing crime,” Ms Spence said.
“The squad operates 24 hours a day, providing highly visible policing from New Farm Park, west to Milton, north to Downy Park and Kedron Brook, and throughout the city, the Botanic Gardens and across the Goodwill Bridge.
“The officers travel an average of 25 kilometres per shift, providing a fast response to incidents, as they cross entire city blocks in a matter of minutes by travelling through arcades, down laneways and along walkways.”
Ms Spence said since the squad was officially formed in September last year, they have:
• attended around 80 jobs a month
• arrested about 150 people for drug, drink driving, public disorder, criminal and traffic offences
• issued around 350 traffic infringement notices, and
• conducted more than 800 street checks
“In September last year, Bike Squad officers gave chase and caught an offender near Customs House who was wanted for serious assault,” Ms Spence said.
“In February, bike squad officers located an arson suspect who fled after allegedly attempting to set fire to the Myer Centre.
“And in March bike squad officers were first on the scene when a man allegedly stole a taxi and drove it through the Queen Street Mall.
“Officers have assisted in traffic and crowd management during major events at Suncorp Stadium, street marches and demonstrations and have also responded quickly to disturbances at city nightclubs late at night.
“In addition, the Bike Squad has played a prominent role in patrolling inner city Bikeways as part of Operation Echo Shine – set up to investigate a series of attacks on women.
“A strong presence by squad officers in the areas of the attacks has helped raise public awareness and assisted the broader police operation to keep our community safe.
“This Government has ensured the Brisbane Bike Squad is one of the best in Australia, with 13 high quality Giant Talon Bicycles and 4 Suzuki Trail Bikes.
“The officers on the squad are doing great work and we will continue to support them in their efforts to fight crime and protect our community.”
Media Contact: 3239 6218
Ms Spence today commended the squad of 15 fulltime officers, for their commitment to keeping the city’s streets and pathways safe.
“These energetic and motivated officers are making a real difference around the city’s centre, improving community safety and reducing crime,” Ms Spence said.
“The squad operates 24 hours a day, providing highly visible policing from New Farm Park, west to Milton, north to Downy Park and Kedron Brook, and throughout the city, the Botanic Gardens and across the Goodwill Bridge.
“The officers travel an average of 25 kilometres per shift, providing a fast response to incidents, as they cross entire city blocks in a matter of minutes by travelling through arcades, down laneways and along walkways.”
Ms Spence said since the squad was officially formed in September last year, they have:
• attended around 80 jobs a month
• arrested about 150 people for drug, drink driving, public disorder, criminal and traffic offences
• issued around 350 traffic infringement notices, and
• conducted more than 800 street checks
“In September last year, Bike Squad officers gave chase and caught an offender near Customs House who was wanted for serious assault,” Ms Spence said.
“In February, bike squad officers located an arson suspect who fled after allegedly attempting to set fire to the Myer Centre.
“And in March bike squad officers were first on the scene when a man allegedly stole a taxi and drove it through the Queen Street Mall.
“Officers have assisted in traffic and crowd management during major events at Suncorp Stadium, street marches and demonstrations and have also responded quickly to disturbances at city nightclubs late at night.
“In addition, the Bike Squad has played a prominent role in patrolling inner city Bikeways as part of Operation Echo Shine – set up to investigate a series of attacks on women.
“A strong presence by squad officers in the areas of the attacks has helped raise public awareness and assisted the broader police operation to keep our community safe.
“This Government has ensured the Brisbane Bike Squad is one of the best in Australia, with 13 high quality Giant Talon Bicycles and 4 Suzuki Trail Bikes.
“The officers on the squad are doing great work and we will continue to support them in their efforts to fight crime and protect our community.”
Media Contact: 3239 6218