Top Coast cop’s holiday amid rank-and-file unrest
The Gold Coast’s top cop is on an overseas holiday amid widespread unrest among officers over staff levels and suspension of popular officers.
Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon is on recreational leave, returning in a fortnight.
The Queensland Police Service confirmed the top cop’s departure after concerned colleagues told the Bulletin they felt he should be here during what some deem a crisis.
Sources say Chief Supt Hanlon flew to Las Vegas last week, a “surprise” to some staff during a fortnight when Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll finished after bringing forward her exit date.
“The house is burning,” the source said in relation to issues facing the police force generally.
A QPS spokesman said the leave had been planned since August.
Rank and file Gold Coast officers have been threatening to revolt since the suspension of respected Senior Sergeant Arron Ottaway, alleged to have authorised officers to ram a stolen car driven by an armed offender at Mermaid Waters on February 1.
Chief Supt Hanlon was singled out by Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers for criticism over the controversial stand down.
Mr Leavers described action against Snr. Sgt Ottaway as “punitive measures”.
Officers have threatened a vote of “no confidence” in Chief Supt Hanlon and his leadership team.
In the lead up to Commissioner Carroll’s resignation, the Bulletin had revealed Southport CBD lacked a crew at night, shopping centre police beats were secretly closed and watch houses were facing “dangerous” overcrowding.
Acting Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has said addressing issues within the Gold Coast police district is a ‘priority’ - he’s due to visit the Coast this week.
Chief Supt Hanlon is due to return to work on the Gold Coast March 18.