Rapid Action and Patrol Group head to Coomera

Policing on the northern Gold Coast will soon receive a boost as officers from the Rapid Action and Patrol (RAP) group move to Coomera as part of a pilot project.

Minister for Police Bill Byrne said 20 officers currently based at the Gold Coast RAP’s hub at Varsity Lakes would make the move from June 25 to help enhance the service already provided to the Coast’s northern suburbs.

“Since RAP was set up in 2014, it has been working well with the District’s general duties and specialist officers to make a real dent in crime on the Gold Coast,” Minister Byrne said.

“It is no secret that the northern Gold Coast is one of the fastest-growing areas of Queensland – and that is why it has been identified as a priority area as the QPS plans for the future delivery of policing services.

“Having two teams of RAP officers based out of the Coomera police complex will allow a more effective and swifter deployment of officers. It will also provide a more mobile policing response and enhance service to the northern Gold Coast community.”

South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd said the Coomera move would not change the officer’s focus on intelligence-based and rapid-saturation policing.

“We are constantly analysing crime trends across the Gold Coast and we believe that having two teams of RAP officers based at Coomera will help us to more efficiently address crime and road safety issues in the northern parts of the Coast,” Assistant Commissioner Codd said.

“By design, the RAP is well-placed to tackle some of these issues because of their ability to be deployed quickly, proactively respond to emerging trends and they are agile.

“The two Coomera teams will still be mobile and that means they will continue to also work throughout the Coast from Coolangatta in the south right up to areas north of Coomera.”

Minister Byrne said the Palaszxzuk Government was committed to keeping the people of the Gold Coast safe.

“The Northern Gold Coast RAP pilot project is just one way we are ensuring the Gold Coast remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Minister Byrne’s Office:      Michelle Connolly, 0478 325 738

Police Media:                        3015 2444