The biggest investment in policing in more than three decades will see the delivery of 50 extra police officers to Queensland’s Northern Region, including Townsville, in the coming financial year.
The investment will take the total number of additional police delivered to the region to more than 180.
Police Minister, Mark Ryan was joined by Townsville MP, Scott Stewart, Queensland Police Union President, Ian Leavers and Queensland police Assistant Commissioner Mark Wheeler to make the announcement at the Townsville Police Academy where recruits are undergoing an intensive 28-week training program.
The training regime includes extensive instruction in Operational Skills Training, including the deployment of tasers in high-risk situations.
Trainers and recruits demonstrated the use of tasers during an exercise at the academy today, as an example of the world-class training Queensland Police Service recruits undergo before joining the service as fully fledged officers.
Minister Ryan said the Queensland Police Service was world-class and today’s taser demonstration highlighted the extensive training recruits undergo.
“It is no accident that the Queensland Police Service has a reputation internationally as a world-class police service.”
“The highest standards of training ensure our recruits are the best prepared for a career in law enforcement and community safety.
“Queensland police officers have demonstrated their commitment to their fellow Queenslanders during the pandemic and the government is demonstrating its commitment to police by making the biggest investment in policing in more than three decades.
“As a result, 50 new officers will further bolster the Northern Region’s ranks in the next financial year, with more to come.”
Assistant Commissioner Mark Wheeler said the extra officers coming to the Northern Region would be allocated operationally for maximum effect.
“We know that domestic violence is a significant issue,” he said.
“That is one of the areas to which we will deploy some of these resources, in addition at least half of the extra positions will be deployed to general duties.
“Right now there are more than 900 police officers permanently based in the Northern Region.
“The reality is that in the not too distant future, there will be more than 1,000 police officers permanently based here, and I think the community can be very reassured by that extremely significant police presence.”
Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers said today’s announcement was something the QPU had campaigned hard to achieve.
“This is great news for police in Townsville and the Northern Region and the extra positions for general duties is something the QPU has strongly advocated for,” Mr Leavers said.
“This announcement means police in the Northern Region are getting the support they need and deserve, and I want to thank the Government for listening to our advocacy and delivering on this commitment.”
