Top cop on Coast over tensions

New Acting Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has made a low-key visit to the Gold Coast in a bid to soothe tensions between senior officers and frontline cops on the Glitter Strip.

Mr Gollschewski met with senior and frontline officers at Surfers Paradise police headquarters on Wednesday as one of his first duties since being appointed to temporarily replace Katarina Carroll, who resigned as commissioner last month following widespread unrest in police ranks over strains including youth crime and domestic violence.

Mr Gollschewski is understood to have told frontline police that internal disciplinary matters will now be overseen by the commissioner’s office following outcry over the Ottaway controversy.

He reportedly made the announcement during a snap visit to the Arundel Police Hub where he spoke with staff returning for shift change.

Officers at the station told the Bulletin the acting commissioner spoke about several operational matters, including the domestic violence reforms that are currently underway within the QPS.

The Coast has been a hotbed of discontent among rank-andfile police over issues including the standing down of decorated frontline officer Arron Ottaway over a stolen car pursuit involving alleged hardcore teen offenders.

Senior Sergeant Ottaway was stood down last month after allegedly authorising fellow officers to ram one of two stolen cars allegedly involved in a crime rampage.

Ms Carroll had defended the disciplinary action, saying there were “serious allegations” about Sergeant Ottaway that needed to be investigated and standing him down was “definitely the right decision”.

Mr Gollschewski, who took over as acting commissioner after Ms Carroll finished her tenure on Friday, said one of his first priorities would be to travel to the Coast to speak with officers.