Queensland Police Archives - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Ready to Serve: Meet The Newest Watchhouse Officers Of QPS

After graduating from Oxley Police Academy, fourteen new watchhouse officers are prepared to begin their responsibility of enforcing justice throughout South-East Queensland.

After completing a rigorous five-week training programme, these watchhouse officers (WOs) —trained experts skilled at supervising individuals in custody within watchhouses—have improved their operational abilities, gained an awareness of legislative powers, and gained an in-depth understanding of custody procedures.

Lectures from a variety of speakers, including members from First Nations organisations, enhanced their education by highlighting the significance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement in their employment.

Paul Langley

Photo Credit: Website/ myPolice Queensland Police News

Paul Langley is one of the graduates who is eager to begin working at Pine Rivers Watchhouse and has served four years in immigration detention. While reflecting on the significance of his new role, Langley emphasised the crucial support watchhouse officers provide to the broader police force in terms of expediting officers’ return to patrol and guaranteeing the continuation of their community service.

Leona Kish

Leona Kish brings a unique blend of academic prowess and practical ambition to her role. Currently pursuing a major in criminology and psychology, Kish sees her position as a watchhouse officer as a stepping stone toward her ultimate goal in forensic psychology. With a keen desire to enhance the workings of the legal system, Kish approaches her work with a strategic vision for the future.

Maddison Bignell

Maddison Bignell eagerly accepted her position at Caloundra Watchhouse, driven by the prospect of a challenging career and a deep-seated desire to help others. Bursting with enthusiasm, she looks forward to applying her freshly acquired expertise and skills as a watchhouse officer, poised to effect tangible change in her community. Rejecting the confines of a desk-bound occupation, Bignell is ready to embrace the dynamic nature of her new role with open arms.

These recent hires show the Queensland Police Service’s commitment to growing its membership and adapting to the evolving needs of modern law enforcement. Across vital regions like Caloundra, Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast, these watchhouse officers are prepared to serve, safeguard, and preserve the principles of safety and justice.

Photo Credit: Website/Queensland Police Service Recruiting

If their commitment to community safety and law enforcement inspires others to consider a career in law enforcement, more details about the Queensland Police Service are available at Queensland Police Service Recruiting.

Published Date 30-March-2024

Taskforce Guardian Achieves Significant Impact in Youth Crime Crackdown

The newly formed Taskforce Guardian of the Queensland Police Service, with its training headquarters in Oxley, marks a substantial stride in addressing high-risk youth offences.

Taskforce Guardian, a rapid response unit comprising dedicated Queensland Police Service detectives and expert Youth Justice workers, has been operational since May 2023. The taskforce’s unique composition allows for a comprehensive approach to youth crime, combining the expertise of seasoned law enforcement with the nuanced understanding of youth justice.

Since its inception, Taskforce Guardian has completed 21 deployments across Queensland. These strategic operations have led to more than 400 young people being arrested, charged with a total of 1,269 offences. The offences primarily include property crimes and bail matters, with specific counts involving unlawful use of motor vehicles, break and enters, bail breaches, and robbery.

The taskforce’s latest operation in Brisbane’s south resulted in the arrest of 13 young people on 101 charges. This 12-day operation is part of a broader, ongoing effort to curb youth crime. Similar deployments in Mount Isa, Logan, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, and Toowoomba have ensured a high-visibility police presence in key locations.

Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations and Youth Crime, Shane Chelepy, expressed satisfaction with the taskforce’s results. He highlighted the importance of combining local police efforts with Taskforce Guardian’s expertise to target recidivist offenders and engage at-risk youth effectively.

Taskforce Guardian’s strategy extends beyond arrests and charges. The taskforce collaborates with key support services and local resources to engage at-risk youth in various programs. These programs focus on health, education, disability services, and First Nations initiatives, offering a more comprehensive approach to youth crime prevention.

Looking ahead, Taskforce Guardian is expected to continue its operations across various Queensland locations. The Queensland Police Service remains committed to tackling youth crime from all angles, ensuring community safety through proactive and targeted measures.

Published 16-Nov-2023

Queensland Police Academy in Oxley Welcomes 117 New Recruits

The largest intake of new police recruits in nearly a decade has started their comprehensive training program at the Queensland Police Service Academy in Oxley .

Of the 164 new recruits, 117 intakes from Brisbane will be trained at the Oxley school, where they will be taught skills to develop their capabilities to become a world-class police officer. The other 47 recruits will be trained in the Townsville academy.

The training is a six-month course that will assess the recruits on their physical and mental strength, as well as first aid proficiency.

This year, the Queensland Police Service Academy will also conduct distance-based learning for the theory-based elements of the curriculum for the very first time.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll personally welcomed and congratulated the recruits on Monday, 4 Jan 2021, alongside Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP.

“Today they will begin a world-class training regime to prepare them with the skills required to face a range of policing scenarios,” the commissioner said.“I know that their time at the Academy over the coming months will be exciting, challenging and ultimately very rewarding and I am extremely pleased to be here today to share this experience.”

“The strength of our frontline services has never been more important to the safety and security of our state and I am confident that each person here today will play an important role in keeping our community safe,” Mr Ryan said. “The training each of these recruits will embark on today will equip them with skills to ensure they are well prepared to handle future challenges with professionalism and dignity.”

Upon completion of their training, the intakes will be inducted into the First Year Constable program where they will further learn from the job.

More details about the Queensland Police training program is on the official site.

Car Thefts Prevention: 4 Important Tips to Not Become a Target

Did you know that 75 percent of car thefts happen because owners leave their vehicles unlocked? In recent weeks, residents of Corinda, Chelmer and Sherwood have had an unusual number of car thefts, which has alarmed law enforcers.

According to the Queensland Police, the risk of vehicles being singled out by opportunistic thieves is higher if the owner doesn’t secure their car. So, here are some useful tips to keep in mind to prevent becoming a target of car thefts:

1. Lock your vehicles.

Aside from the door, other points of access to the car include the window, the sunroof and the boot area. Be sure that these are locked or fully closed if you park your car in a public place. Make it a habit to check the locks and access points before you walk away from the parking area.

2. Don’t keep valuables in your car.

Resist the urge of leaving valuable items unattended inside your car. These could easily catch the eye of would-be thieves. If you need to bring valuable items, keep it out of sight. But don’t put these in the boot in full view of other people as thieves could also break into the trunk and take your stash because they saw you storing it there.

3. Take your keys with you.

If you’re going to be gone for just a few minutes, never leave your keys in the ignition. Turn this off and then take your keys with you. Also, never leave spare keys in your car’s glove box because thieves know where to look. The spare keys must be securely kept in your house.

4. Park in well-lit places.

Thieves may be deterred to target your vehicle if you park this in a well-lit area. If it’s also possible, choose a parking space that may be easily seen by passers-by. Be aware of where you park your car. If you’re wary of people loitering near the parking lot, it might be better to move your car somewhere else safer.

Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures/Pixabay

Help your community become a safer place. Report suspicious activities in your area to the Queensland Police’s 24-hour online tip line.

Top Tips from Sherwood Police to Stay Safe on Christmas Holiday

The Sherwood Police, together with the Queensland Police Service, is promoting both home and vehicle security, as well as road safety to all, particularly during the holiday season.

The holiday season is fast approaching, and beyond the get-together trips and Christmas shopping rush, safety and security is still utmost important and must be observed at all times. This is why the Sherwood Police and the Queensland Police Service have been continuously reminding the public about their ongoing holiday safety campaign launched as early as the last week of November 2019.

The Sherwood Police was joined by a number of local residents and a few friends from the Taringa Station of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on its promotional campaign launch at Sherwood Road outside of Woolworths Supermarket.

*Photo credit: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/*

Here is a rundown of the reminders given by the Sherwood Police regarding their holiday safety campaign.

Lock Up: Always lock up your homes if you intend to go away over Christmas.

Secure Valuables: Before leaving your home or your vehicle, make sure all valuable items are properly stored, locked away, and out of sight.

Engage the Neighbour: Let your close neighbours know you are going away over the holidays. You may also contact the Sherwood Police to advise the same.

Stay Safe on the Road: Always consider road safety when driving. This means following all road regulations, such as obeying the speed limit, not using your mobile phone whilst driving, etc.

Operation Romeo Sleigh

Due to a higher number of vehicles on the road as the year ends, the Queensland Police Service is increasing police presence on the Queensland road network through the “Operation Romeo Sleigh.”

Operation Romeo Sleigh is not only about officers taking a more visible policing approach, but it also involves conducting events and continuously engaging with community members about the importance of driving safely for all Queenslanders and their visitors.

*Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/ Facebook*

According to Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating, Operation Romeo Sleigh will take effect on Friday, December 13th, until Friday, January 31st.

“This will allow police to focus on road users during Christmas and the busy back to school period,” Assistant Commissioner Keating said.

“As always, officers will be focused on the Fatal Five, ensuring that road users are not negatively affected by not wearing seatbelts, drugs or alcohol, speeding, distraction or fatigue or any other unsafe behaviour.”