Cairns Police address public order issues to make streets safer UPDATED

Minister for Police Mark Ryan and Chief Superintendent Brett Schafferius today revealed the results of the Cairns Anti-Social and Public Space (CAPS) team’s efforts to address the issue of public drunkenness and homelessness in Cairns.

Minister Ryan said Palaszczuk government is committed to identifying strategies to assist interactions with socially vulnerable people.

“Socially vulnerable people in Cairns are of all walks of life and our job as a community is to support them wherever we can,” Minister Ryan said.

“The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP) has been working alongside Cairns Police as well as other stakeholders such as Queensland Health, Cairns Regional Council, Queensland Corrective Services, Department of Housing and Public Works, Anglicare and Ozcare in a holistic approach to address the issues of public drunkenness and homelessness.

“This co-ordinated effort not only ensures that residents and visitors feel safe in a region that thrives on tourism; it also gives homeless people a chance to get back on their feet.”

Chief Superintendent Schafferius said since July 1, 2016 to June 15 this year, the team had arrested 155 people for public drunkenness and diverted 508 intoxicated people.

“During this period, police have tipped out over 3,850 litres of liquor seized from people drinking in public,” Chief Superintendent Schafferius said.

“Due to additional funding, we commenced Operation Papa Borrocal on May 1 and ran the increased capacity for the Cairns City Beat until June 30.

“Operation Papa Borrocal resulted in the arrest of 23 people, 15 drunk diversions, 33 CBD business engagements, 273 street checks and 144 litres of seized alcohol tipped out.

“The operation’s success is largely due to the Cairns City Beat and CAPS team’s effective communication with CBD businesses and the Cairns Regional Council to identify hot spots and respond to emerging issues quickly.

“Consultation and education with liquor outlets has been instrumental in the responsible service of alcohol and restricting supply to ‘at risk’ individuals.

“Local police have a vested interest in reducing the number of people affected by homelessness and continue to work with other agencies to provide support and assistance for those trying to get back on their feet.”

 NOTE: Figures in this release were updated at 7pm.

Media contacts

Minister Ryan’s Office:                                                                  Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media:                                                                                  Ph: (07) 3015 2444