2008 Annual Report - Queensland Police Service - Queensland ...

in August and September involved Ministers and
delegations from the 21 APEC countries. Staff from State
Security Operations Group (SSOG), Security Intelligence
Branch, led the intelligence and dignitary protection
operations that underpinned event security.
The Federal Election campaign saw Queensland figure
prominently in the itineraries of the incumbent Prime
Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Teams of
SSOG and regional dignitary protection personnel,
working with their AFP counterparts, provided protective
security to both leaders during campaign visits.
Safer waterways
Water Police officers provide a policing presence, both
proactive and reactive, on and around Queensland
waterways. There are 11 full time water police stations
throughout the State, in addition to 13 general duties
stations in isolated areas which have small vessels. The
Service has a fleet of 70 vessels.
Safer law enforcement
More on page 72
A 12-month trial of Conducted Energy Devices
(‘tasers’) commenced on 1 July 2007. During the trial,
tasers were used initially by Regional Duty Officers
and District Duty Officers in the Metropolitan South,
Metropolitan North and South Eastern police regions.
On 1 April 2008, the trial was expanded to include first
response officers in the Dutton Park Police Division.
The trial concluded on 30 June 2008.
The 12-month trial was about ensuring the safety
of police and members of the public. It provided the
Service with the opportunity to investigate, review and
consider new methods for dealing with dangerous and
violent offenders with minimal long-term injuries to
both offenders and arresting officers.
During the trial, tasers were effective in a number of
violent situations. As at 30 June 2008, tasers had been
used 188 times.
On 82 (or 43%) of those occasions, the mere presentation
of a taser resolved the situation, allowing police to
control a person without injury to anyone.
Forty-two (or 23%) incidents have involved persons
who were suicidal.
On 29 January this year, it was announced there would
be a staged roll-out of tasers to first response officers,
which commenced following the completion of the trial
in June.
Water Police provide a policing presence, both proactive and reactive, on and around Queensland waterways.
Output 1: Community Safety
and Engagement
With honour we serve 19