New top cop’s targets
TOWNSVILLE’S new top cop has vowed to not shy away from the city’s biggest issues as he takes on the challenge of steering the region through one of its most unprecedented times in history.
Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon has already used some of his 36 years of policing experience to continue the work of his predecessor, Kev Guteridge, and make his own mark on property crime, challenging his officers and taking action against domestic violence.
The award-winning police officer spent the majority of his years in the force around the southeast, and the past five years as second-incharge at the Gold Coast.
Despite his successes, policing did not come naturally to Chief Supt Hanlon who “fell into” the force after a career day at his high school in 1982.
The confused, sport-loving teenager completed an array of job applications, and the rest is history.
“So I went to pick them all up, filled them all out and the first people to reply was the Queensland Police Service … so I fell into the job,” he said.
Chief Supt Hanlon worked his way up from general duties to the state traffic branch where he helped revolutionise speed cameras from analog to digital.
The advancement improved the quality and credibility of speed camera photos, something Chief Supt Hanlon said might disgruntle some leadfoots.
He won an Australian Police Medal for this feat, but said he was just as proud to serve the force as best he could.
Chief Supt Hanlon’s good stead allowed him to be promoted to Townsville about four weeks ago amid COVID-19.
He noted the economic impact coronavirus had taken on the region and said he would ensure police moved effectively and efficiently throughout the aftermath.
One of his main priorities was addressing domestic violence and holding those offenders to account.
“I think sometimes we shy away from domestic violence … we need to be open about it and have a conversation,” he said.
“There are some people that are not just perpetrators of domestic violence … they have risky criminal activity in their whole life and their lifestyle.”
Youth crime is also another main issue Chief Supt Hanlon did not want to be left in the dark.
He intended to work with other agencies to address the “complex” issue and was eager to adapt.
“I want to make sure that we stay connected with the community and have less barriers to make sure we do our job effectively,” Chief
Supt Hanlon said. “We’re not a cookie-cutter approach … each incident will be different and the person involved will be different.
“We’re obviously very resilient up here but my aim is to make sure that everyone gets through.”