Rural-stock investigation course musters up state’s specialised investigators

Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, today congratulated Detective Superintendent Colin Briggs from the Drug and Serious Crime Group, and the  Queensland Police Service’s specialist rural investigators, on their rural-stock investigation course and their dedicated commitment to supporting regional Queenslanders.

Detectives from the Major and Organised Crime Squad (MOCS) Rural – also known as the Stock Squad – are continuing to enhance their skills to be best placed to work with regional communities and ensure the security of agricultural industries in Queensland.

Livestock theft has a significant impact on producers across Queensland, with a total of 203 cattle and sheep occurrences recorded in the past two years alone.

These figures include the theft of approximately 7,051 head of cattle, representing a reported value of at least $7 million.

The rural-stock investigation course is hosted yearly by the Queensland Police Service in Millmerran since it commenced in 2001.

Each year, the course trains existing and hopeful investigators from across the state, as well as from other policing jurisdictions in the skills required to carry out livestock investigations.

This includes a range of practical components such as equine and motor skills, animal husbandry, navigation, mustering, exhibit handling and brief preparation.

Detective Superintendent Colin Briggs of the Drug and Serious Crime Group said MOCS Rural investigators consistently worked on enhancing prevention and disruption strategies, skills and techniques. 

“With fluctuations in the price and value of stock, we know the value these specialist police officers present in their abilities to investigate anything that jeopardises the integrity of the industry,” Detective Superintendent Briggs said.

“Spending time and effort refreshing key skills in areas relevant to these specialist roles ensures that our investigators all around the state continue to be able to efficiently undertake their unique duties.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan said there was the opportunity for the MOCS Rural officers to engage with their counterparts, including the two Rural Crime Investigators from interstate also in attendance this year.

“The course gives investigators the opportunity to come together with their colleagues from around the state and where possible, their counterparts from other policing jurisdictions to share knowledge and experiences.

“With investigators located in regional areas across the state, the community can have confidence that MOCS Rural are committed to investigating and prosecuting farm, stock and rural crime,” Minister Ryan said.

“The skills they are learning and refreshing at this course are only going to better equip them to do so.

“From compliance checks in saleyards and inspecting vehicles carrying livestock to disrupting other rural crime, I’m confident these MOCS Rural officers will return to their respective communities ready to continue the great level of service they already provide to our Queensland rural communities.”

Media contacts 

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

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444