Recruitment process
In Sandy’s recent Noosa MP Community Survey, some residents expressed concerns regarding inadequate training for new police recruits and fears that the current ‘$100,000 from day one’ advertising campaign will attract inappropriate candidates. In response, we have received the following from the Queensland Minister for Police:
Please find below some information on the pathway to becoming a police officer in Queensland, with relevant information linked throughout. As the overview demonstrates, the recruitment process is quite exhaustive and personal integrity is a key component that recruits are assessed for. Recruit training is a 6 month course that can be completed at either the Brisbane or Townsville campus of the Queensland Police Service Academy. The First Year Constable (FYC) program follows the recruit training program and is conducted over 12 months in the operational environment. Additionally, there are many ongoing training requirements for members of the Queensland Police Service – covering trauma-informed policing, responding to domestic and family violence and de-escalation of potentially dangerous situations, for example. Stage 1: Expression of interest and initial eligibility assessment
Requires applicants to complete an eligibility assessment form while referring to health and fitness standards and integrity guidelines (linked)Stage 2: Completion of QPS Entrance Exam
Step 3: Completion of Application
Applicants must disclose all relevant information which may impact their suitability to become a police officerProvision of false or misleading information may be considered an integrity matter resulting in the applicant being deemed unsuitable Step 4: Panel interviewInterviews include a formal interview style process as well as a two-way discussion to clarify experience and expectationsInterview questions are based on: QPS values, responsibilities and key accountabilities (please find accountabilities outlined at www.sandybolton.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/General-Duties-Police-Officer-Position-Description.pdf)Applicants are required to provide relevant personal examples relating to desired qualities and characteristicsStep 5: Integrity vetting
Step 6: Health assessment
Step 7: Psychological assessment (linked)
The assessment process is designed to ensure that recruits have the necessary skills and personal characteristics to perform the inherent occupation requirements of general duties policingStep 8: Application review and physical assessment
Step 9: Referee checks and quality assurance
Step 10: Allocation and offer
Step 11: Pre-appointment integrity vetting
Police pursuits
Following recent media reports of the standing down of a police officer regarding the pursuit of a stolen vehicle involved in multiple dangerous driving incidents, Sandy asked a Question on Notice (QON) to Minister for Police, which is below including their full response:
Sandy’s QON
With reference to media reports of the standing down of a police officer regarding the pursuit of a stolen vehicle involved in multiple dangerous driving incidents – Will the Minister advise what he will undertake to ensure that active law enforcement for community safety is not stifled any further?
The Minister’s response
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is committed to the achievement of the highest ethical standards by all its members.
In relation to the specific matter referred to by the Member, given the matter is currently under internal investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
Speaking generally however, along with other Queenslanders it is my expectation that all complaints made in relation to QPS member conduct are investigated promptly, thoroughly and independently in accordance with legislative and procedural requirements. It would be inappropriate as Minister to attempt to intervene in any disciplinary processes undertaken by the QPS. Decisions on police disciplinary matters are made independent of political consideration, which is as it should be.
It is imperative that as members of the QPS go about their daily duties to keep the people of Queensland safe they do so with utmost integrity to retain the confidence of the people of Queensland.
As a contemporary police service, the QPS realises that maintaining integrity is critical to the performance of the organisation. The QPS applies a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and serious misconduct. Identified cases are and will continue to be subject to the criminal justice system and clearly articulated disciplinary processes as appropriate.
I am advised that the QPS remains committed to improving this capacity by taking a holistic view of risks and maintaining effective strategies for ensuring integrity. In meeting those aspirations, it is necessary that the QPS demonstrates its values and instils them through leadership and transparency through the ongoing process of accountability.
Crime rates
The current offence statistics for the last five years in the Noosa Local Government Area (LGA) are below:
With all offender data included
With only Juvenile data included
Regarding the Juvenile only data, this isn’t easily available via the interactive online crime map (IOCM) and is only accessible via downloading the raw data and manually sorting. We have again advocated to the Queensland Minister for Police for this to be included as a sorting option on the IOCM in the aim of transparency. We will update once a response has been received.
For those interested in searching police data, you can do so at www.police.qld.gov.au/maps-and-statistics
Relocation Sentencing
In response to previous advocacy from Sandy and others, the Queensland Government has announced an expanded, intensive ‘On Country’ Program trial for First Nations young people in contact with the youth justice system. Further information is available at www.sandybolton.com/crime-youth-recidivism-relocation-sentencing-update-february-2024
Youth Justice Reform Select Committee
Sandy’s work as the Chair of the Youth Justice Committee has continued including drafting the interim report with recommendations which is due to be tabled Thursday 28 March 2024. Our latest Noosa 360 update regarding is available at www.sandybolton.com/crime-youth-recidivism-update-march-2024.
Teewah Beach Driver Behaviour
On the lead up to any peak period, Sandy advocates to ensure our frontliners have additional resources as part of managing the extra volume. For our latest updates on this, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Teewah
2023-2024 State Budget
As we approach consideration of the budget requirements needed for our Queensland communities for the State Budget, based on our previous correspondence, advocacy and emerging issues being experienced in the Noosa Electorate as well broader state, Sandy has asked for consideration be given to the below as priority inclusion for funding in the budget:
- Review of modelling for increasing the police allocation to Noosa to address alcohol fuelled violence and dangerous behaviours in identified precincts including consistent targeted operations for Cooloola and Teewah.
- Funding for increased DFV/Mental Health resources in the Noosa Electorate/Sunshine Coast region to address specific DFV/Mental Health demand
- A technological solution to address the inability for routine and automatic sharing of essential enforcement information between agencies including QPS, QPWS and MSQ so that permit restrictions can be placed on offenders in our National Parks and waterways.
- Implement all relevant State and Territory recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission
Further information & contact details
For information on our transition to mobile police beats, highway patrols, compliances, special operations or station locations, please visit our previous Noosa 360 update at www.sandybolton.com/policing-in-noosa-july-2023.
To view our previous Noosa 360 updates on Crime/ Youth Recidivism, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Crime
For emergencies, please dial 000 immediately.
Call Policelink on 131444 for non-urgent reporting and enquiries, saving the need for you to make reports at a local station. You can also report online at www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting. These reports are then sent to the local officers on duty 24/7.
With very few Neighbourhood Watches operating in the Noosa area currently, anyone with concerns may wish to consider starting one to increase knowledge and security around their homes and with neighbours and other residents. These can also provide excellent feedback for local police. To enquire further, please contact the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit via sunshinecoast@police.qld.gov.au.