THICKER BLUE LINE
10 new police officers fast-tracked for Cairns
TEN extra police positions will be brought forward in Cairns a year ahead of schedule on the back of growing crime concerns in the city.
The extra officers had initially been allocated to arrive during the 2020/21 financial year, but will now start work sometime before next June after a decision by new Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll (right).
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said the group was part of 535 extra positions being created in “areas of high priority” across Queensland.
“These allocations are determined by the commissioner following a detailed assessment of priorities,” he said.
The spokesman said the service regularly reviewed recruting in line with the Queenland Government’s commitment to growing police numbers and decided Cairns warranted a boost earlier than expected.
“The Queensland Police Service continually reviews its recruiting schedule to maintain alignment with the government’s commitments to police growth and recently made a decision to accelerate 10 growth positions for the Far North District,” the spokesman said.
Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor said the extra officers would be based in Cairns.
He said they would be in addition to the usual recruitment to cover for natural attrition.
“Like always, we appreciate any additional resources that are forthcoming and we will make sure they are put to good use,” Mr Taylor said.
“We’ve got the capacity for new staff, we’ve got the new station at Gordonvale, we’ve got Edmonton, Smithfield, the city office, the City Beat office, so there is an opportunity for accommodating them at any of those positions.
“They won’t be going outside city.”
Mr Taylor said it was also hoped to have staff moving across to the new McLeod St facility, purchased from the Australian Federal Police, by the end of the year, with renovations currently underway.
He said it was uncertain exactly when the new officers would start work due to the recruitment process, but Cairns was always an attractive option for new staff.
The staffing announcement comes after public lobbying by Cairns MP Michael Healy.
Mr Healy said he had spoken to Police Minister Mark Ryan about fast-tracking the extra staff after Townsville had its allocation brought forward earlier this month.
“We’re definitely going to get them soon, but I want them as soon as possible,” Mr Healy said.
Mr Ryan said during the week he was able to make “representations” to the commissioner about staffing, but when and where they were allocated was ultimately her decision.