Security audit into all police workplaces

Police Minister Mark Ryan has announced a security audit will be conducted into all Queensland Police Service workplaces in Queensland.

This follows an incident in Brisbane on Monday night when a man allegedly drove his vehicle towards the main entrance of Police Headquarters, causing minor damage to the front stairs.

Talks were held yesterday with Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers about the benefits of an audit.

Mr Ryan said the audit would target high-risk facilities, as a priority, with other police workplaces across Queensland checked for safety and security over time. 

“It’s about ensuring the safety of our officers and the communities they serve,” Mr Ryan said.

Commissioner Stewart said there were approximately 500 police workplaces spread across Queensland, ranging from small stations in rural and remote parts of the state, to busy city stations in major centres, such as Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Logan, and police facilities in cities and towns in regional areas.

“As Commissioner, the safety and security of our police officers and members of the public is of paramount importance and this audit complements previous audits that we have undertaken in recent years,” he said.

“It’s my intention to adopt a risk-based approach. Firstly, we will focus on a security audit of the highest-risk facilities and work our way through all our police workplaces, and we will work in partnership with the Queensland Police Union on this important initiative. 

“I am committed to ensuring that we continue to meet and maintain the highest levels of service and I’m grateful that the Queensland Police Union has raised this matter.”

Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers welcomed the announcement.

“I thank the Minister for his announcement today and for listening to my request of him for this audit to occur over the last 24 hours,” Mr Leavers said.

“I fully support today’s decision and we look forward to working with the Queensland Police Service throughout the audit process.

“It’s about looking after the interests of all police and meeting the security and safety needs of the broader community.”

ENDS

Media contact:

Emma McBryde        0447 155 332