Top cops gone but big events still secure

TOP cop Brian Codd is guaranteeing plans are in place for the Gold Coast 600 race, Schoolies and the Commonwealth Games despite two leading operational officers taking extended leave.

Opposition frontbencher and Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek yesterday called on Assistant Commissioner Codd to assure residents the Queensland Police Service’s senior leadership on the Glitter Strip was prepared for hosting the major events.

Superintendents Terry Borland and Michelle Stenner, both facing a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, have taken extended leave after only just returning back to work.

Supt Borland is the top operational officer. Stenner is responsible major crime investigations.

Mr Langbroek admitted he was disappointed at the lack of police briefings for local MPs and wants reassurances the planning for events remains “on track” and staffing levels in tourist hotspots are adequate.

“We need Brian Codd to tell us why and how it will be okay,” Mr Langbroek said.

“I don’t remember this absence of senior (police) leaders for a prolonged period. The community needs assurances.

“I haven’t had any regular briefings from officers at that level. We need to be out there leading from the front. What is he doing, as the senior policeman, about it?”

Supt Codd said the positions of superintendents Borland and Stenner were being covered by senior officers.

Superintendent Craig Hanlon was filling in for Supt Borland. Inspector Simon Chase, who headed up the Safe Night precinct policing, had replaced Supt Stenner during her leave.

“I can most certainly assure Mr Langbroek and the community of the Gold Coast that it’s in good and capable hands,” he said.

The planning for the Gold Coast 600 and Schoolies did not occur just in the final months before those events, Supt Codd added. city’s Supt for