Police to crack down on anti-social behaviour at this year’s Indy
Published Wednesday, 17 September, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police will have special event powers at the Gold Coast Nikon Indy 300 next month, to ensure public safety and security are upheld throughout the four day event.
Police Minister Judy Spence said: “The Nikon Indy 300 is a premier international event for the Indy Cars, attracting more than 300,000 spectators over the four days.
“During this time, police will maintain a strong presence within the Indy precinct to protect the safety and security of all spectators, officials and drivers,” Ms Spence said.
“Unfortunately, this type of large-scale event can sometimes attract certain members of the public who choose to do the wrong thing.
“To crack down on this type of anti-social behaviour, the Queensland Government will grant additional powers to police at the Indy event to further assist them in their duties.
“The Police Powers and Responsibility Act contains provisions whereby ‘special events’ can be declared and police can access additional powers to address safety and security issues.
“Those additional powers include the ability for a police officer to request people within the declared area to undergo a frisk search, inspect belongings in the person’s possession and request removal of an outer garment of clothing.
“If a person fails to comply with a request from police, the additional powers enable police to refuse entry or remove the person from the site.”
Ms Spence said special event powers have previously been implemented at the 2000 Olympic Football Tournament, 2003 Rugby World Cup, Goodwill Games, and the 2006 and 2007 Gold Coast Indy events.
“Police have not had to use these additional powers at the previous two Indy events, and will only use them this year if necessary,” she said.
“During all previous events, police demonstrated their ability to exercise these powers appropriately, while preserving public safety and security with minimal disruption or inconvenience to the Queensland public.
“Previous experience has confirmed that these special event powers act as a deterrent to bad behaviour, allowing spectators to enjoy a safe and trouble free event.
“We need to send a clear message to the community, and those who may seek to disrupt the Indy – illegal and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The Gold Coast event continues to bring in great economic benefits for Queensland, and it remains one of the most popular events for Queenslanders and visitors alike.
“This Government is strongly committed to maintaining safety and security at Indy – so that everyone can enjoy this world-class motorsport event.”
Media Contact: 3239 6203
Police Minister Judy Spence said: “The Nikon Indy 300 is a premier international event for the Indy Cars, attracting more than 300,000 spectators over the four days.
“During this time, police will maintain a strong presence within the Indy precinct to protect the safety and security of all spectators, officials and drivers,” Ms Spence said.
“Unfortunately, this type of large-scale event can sometimes attract certain members of the public who choose to do the wrong thing.
“To crack down on this type of anti-social behaviour, the Queensland Government will grant additional powers to police at the Indy event to further assist them in their duties.
“The Police Powers and Responsibility Act contains provisions whereby ‘special events’ can be declared and police can access additional powers to address safety and security issues.
“Those additional powers include the ability for a police officer to request people within the declared area to undergo a frisk search, inspect belongings in the person’s possession and request removal of an outer garment of clothing.
“If a person fails to comply with a request from police, the additional powers enable police to refuse entry or remove the person from the site.”
Ms Spence said special event powers have previously been implemented at the 2000 Olympic Football Tournament, 2003 Rugby World Cup, Goodwill Games, and the 2006 and 2007 Gold Coast Indy events.
“Police have not had to use these additional powers at the previous two Indy events, and will only use them this year if necessary,” she said.
“During all previous events, police demonstrated their ability to exercise these powers appropriately, while preserving public safety and security with minimal disruption or inconvenience to the Queensland public.
“Previous experience has confirmed that these special event powers act as a deterrent to bad behaviour, allowing spectators to enjoy a safe and trouble free event.
“We need to send a clear message to the community, and those who may seek to disrupt the Indy – illegal and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The Gold Coast event continues to bring in great economic benefits for Queensland, and it remains one of the most popular events for Queenslanders and visitors alike.
“This Government is strongly committed to maintaining safety and security at Indy – so that everyone can enjoy this world-class motorsport event.”
Media Contact: 3239 6203