Naughty corner for cops

Errant officers to be offered courses and mentoring

THOMAS CHAMBERLIN, DAVID MURRAY, CHRIS CLARKE

POLICE involved in wrongdoing will perform community service and undergo mentoring in a major shakeup of the disciplinary system.

Officers will also attend external courses and undertake counselling for issues such as alcohol abuse in a system endorsed by police unions, corruption fighters and both major political parties.

According to a Queensland Police Union briefing to offi- cers, police will have a say on what their punishment will be, can provide dot point statements instead of being interviewed and will be fined rather than having their pay lowered.

Strict time limits will be imposed on investigations, with Crime and Corruption Commission head Alan MacSporran saying it would replace a “clearly broken” system.

“Everything was wrong with the old system,” Mr MacSporran said. “Things took forever to resolve. It’s not good for the complainant. It’s not good for the service.”

The police union briefing – sent to all members yesterday – welcomed the changes, saying they had fought for officers to be rehabilitated rather than punished.

Under the reforms, the police service and CCC would generally have a year from the date of the alleged misconduct to bring a disciplinary hearing, or six months from when the alleged misconduct is reported.

Officers disciplined for lowlevel misconduct will receive mentoring, re-training, short term secondments and extra supervision.

Transfers within the area, community service, external courses and counselling will also be among the options.

Community service would allow officers to be sanctioned in a way “which does not lower the living standards of their families”.

“The QPU believes the use of community service is a very appropriate order as it allows an officer to ‘pay back’ the community and the QPS for any wrong doing,” the briefing said.

Supervisors and the subject officers will also discuss the penalty for the alleged misconduct, according to the briefing.

Officers put under a new penalty of disciplinary probation who were involved in further misconduct could be asked why they should not be immediately dismissed.

In some cases such as the use of excessive force officers could “plead guilty” rather than waiting months for an investigation.

The CCC and QPS would agree on the proposed penalty range, before asking the officer if they wish to accept it.

The changes are expected to take place next year after legislation is passed.