Cameras reduce assaults

THE number of council staff being abused and bashed has dropped almost 80 per cent in a year – and Mayor Tom Tate says it is because of body cameras.

New figures released by the Gold Coast City Council show the number of assaults on council staff dropped from 152 in 2015-16 to 31 in 2016-17 when the cameras were introduced.

But the cameras have not yet been able to completely eliminate attacks on city staff.

Police are investigating an alleged assault in Surfers Paradise last Thursday.

A driver is accused of spitting on two parking inspectors before climbing into his car and trying to run the pair over.

The case is with police but charges are yet to be laid.

Cr Tate said abuse would not be tolerated.

“The numbers were high and have since dropped,” he said. “This is not Beirut mate, this is the Gold Coast.

“Our parking officers are getting assaulted and abused. The message to those out there being aggressive is that you are being recorded and you will be prosecuted.

“They are only doing their jobs and we want our officers to be able to do this and get home safely to their families.

“If you don’t want to do to the right thing, park in the right spot.”

Cr Tate released footage of an attack on an inspector at Palm Beach in December.

The vision shows a heavily tattooed man, furious after receiving a ticket for parking illegally, hitting the inspector and abusing him in front of young children. The assault was reported to police.

BULLETIN VIEW P14