Morale and safety targets for new Police Commissioner

THE first woman appointed to run Queensland’s Police Service has vowed to make the state the safest in the nation.

Katarina Carroll has named boosting morale in the 15,000-strong force and decreasing crime across the state as her key targets when starts the role in July.

“I want Queensland to be the safest state, that’s exactly what I want to happen under my leadership,” the former Far North Queensland Chief Superintendent said.

Ms Carroll was yesterday revealed as the successful candidate to take over the role from Commissioner Ian Stewart following an international search that included applicants from Canada and the UK.

While privileged to make history through her appointment, Ms Carroll said she had earnt the honour through hard work.

She joins the ranks of the powerful women ruling Queensland including Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington, Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Chief Justice Catherine Holmes.

The police budget and staffing numbers within the service have been raised as issues which have affected morale in the QPS.

Ms Carroll said she would not be afraid to speak up.

“Certainly I will have no qualms in the future – if I think we need additional staff because of those pressure points – then I will go to the government and ask for those staff,” she said.

Ms Carroll, who had a decorated career in policing after joining in 1983, has been Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner since 2014.