FRoM CoMMissioneR ATKinson - Queensland Police Service ...

FROM COMMissioneR ATKinson 

An outstanding 

contribution to policing 

On March 5, Deputy 

Commissioner Kathy Rynders 

announced her retirement. 

She will conclude her role at 

Easter and commence preretirement 

leave, bringing to a 

close one of the finest careers 

in the Queensland Police 

Service. 

Deputy Rynders has made 

an outstanding contribution 

to policing and has served 

the people of Queensland 

with absolute professionalism 

and commitment for more 

than 35 years. She has made 

significant contributions to the 

organisation’s post-Fitzgerald 

reforms, regional operational 

policing, senior executive 

leadership and associated 

strategic management of 

the service, and provided 

outstanding guidance, 

leadership and support to the 

role of women in the police 

service. 

Joining the then-Police 

Force in 1975, Deputy 

Commissioner Rynders spent 

her early years as a general 

duties officer, a traffic branch 

officer, and later, a police 

prosecutor. Her career then 

took her to South Eastern 

Region where she served 

as Regional Duty Officer, 

District Inspector and District 

Officer before accepting 

a promotion to Chief 

Superintendent in charge of 

Education and Training in 

1999. Her first role as Assistant 

Commissioner was with 

the Crime and Misconduct 

Commission, followed by 

Metropolitan South Region. 

In 2008 she became Deputy 

Commissioner (Regional 

Operations). 

I have greatly valued her 

contribution at the senior 

executive level of the Service 

and wish her well in her 

retirement. 

Floods and cyclones 

At the same time, I would 

like to acknowledge the 

outstanding efforts of all staff 

involved in responding to 

recent floods in the south west 

of Queensland and Cyclone 

Ului in central Queensland. 

Your professionalism and 

dedication to duty maintain 

the finest traditions of quality 

policing. 

Ipswich Station 

opening and station 

visits 

On March 16, the Minister 

and I officially opened Ipswich 

Station. The station is well 

designed to cater for the 

staffing and policing needs of 

Ipswich. I would like to thank 

those members involved in 

the design, construction, 

opening ceremony planning 

and ongoing operation of the 

new station. 

Recently I also visited the 

Gold Coast, Fortitude Valley, 

City Stations and Mt Isa, which 

provided the opportunity to 

discuss with members both 

general issues and the specific 

challenges to their areas. 

Police induction 

On March 19, the Minister 

and I attended an induction 

parade at the Oxley Police 

Academy for 80 recruits and 

eight police dogs—five drug 

and three general purpose 

dogs—in front of families, 

friends and colleagues. 

I wish our newest members 

well as they commence their 

duties at regions throughout 

the state. I would also like to 

thank those who organised 

the induction ceremony. 

PoliceBulletin347 3

Executive Editor 

Matthew Rigby 

Editor 

Paula Hedemann 

Editorial assistant 

Claire Hauser 

Statement of purpose 

Police Bulletin is a free bi-annual 

public information document intended 

to provide a record of initiatives 

and achievements, an insight into 

the operations of the Queensland 

Police Service, and base research to 

interested members of the community. 

Each edition is available from police 

stations, district and regional offices, 

and Police Headquarters, Brisbane. 

Photography 

Unless otherwise indicated 

photographs throughout this publication 

were taken by members of the QPS 

Photographic Section or provided 

through the associated branch or unit. 

Police Bulletin is printed externally by 

Media and Public Affairs Branch 

Police Headquarters 

GPO Box 1440 

Brisbane Qld 4001 

Telephone: 07 3364 6256 

Facsimile: 07 3364 6268 

Layout and design: 

Sally Jelbert 

Graphic Designer 

Graphic Design Services 

Advertising contact details: 

Carol Gudgeon 

Email: carol@colourscan.com.au 

Telephone: 1300 364 333 

Copyright of this publication is 

vested in the Commissioner of Police. 

Reproduction for use other than 

within the Queensland Police Service 

is prohibited and requires the written 

permission of the Commissioner 

of Police (or his delegate) prior 

to re-publication or attribution. 

Contact should be made through 

the Director, Media and Public 

Affairs Branch. 

The information contained in this publication was 

true and correct at the time it went to print. 

4 

PoliceBulletin347

C O N T E N T S 

Message from Commissioner Atkinson.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Message from Deputy Commissioner Stewart.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Message from Neil Roberts MP, 

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services. . . . . . . . . . 7 

Supporting the front line.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

A lifeline for emergency situations.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Developments in Forensic Science—keeping ahead of the criminals . . . . . . 10 

Solving the puzzles of the deep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Dog Squad puppies best in Service.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

On track to a safer future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Jumping over the barriers to maintain order .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Ready for take off whenever disaster strikes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Public Safety Response Team—a foul-weather friend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Police prosecutors—taking the investigation to its conclusion .. . . . . . . . . . 28 

Maximising capability to minimise risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Zeroing in on driver behaviour .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Internet scams cost seniors millions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

When the going gets tough.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Breaking the cycle of violence.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

A D V E R T I S E R S ’ I N D E X 

advert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

advert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

advert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

advert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

advert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

advert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

advert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

advert.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 


FROM DEPUTY COMMissioneR STEWART 

Enhancing the Service’s 

operational functions 

The dedication of the April 

edition of Police Bulletin 

to Operations Support 

Command is testimony to 

the crucial and diverse range 

of roles undertaken by both 

police officers and civilian 

employees in this area. 

Although having no 

geographical responsibilities, 

the command provides 

support, both physically and 

intellectually, to all regions 

within the Queensland Police 

Service. Operations Support 

Command delivers high 

quality, innovative, progressive 

and responsive policing 

services in support of frontline 

policing. 

Support to the regions 

includes specialist operations, 

traffic enforcement activities, 

crime prevention strategies, 

service procedural policy 

development, prosecution 

support, and the coordination 

and development of forensic 

services. The command also 

has strong links to agencies 

external to the Service, 

through its connection to 

counter terrorism policy 

and capacity development, 

disaster management, and the 

coordination of Police Youth 

Club facilities throughout 

Queensland. 

The provision of road 

safety initiatives and policy 

development to manage 

road trauma is of utmost 

importance to the Service. 

The State Traffic Support 

Branch, through new and 

emerging technologies, 

aims to provide strategies 

to enhance road safety. For 

example, the Roadside Drug 

Testing Unit has conducted 

operations throughout the 

state in its relatively new role 

testing drivers for illicit drugs, 

with considerable success. 

The management of alcohol 

fuelled and drug related 

violence is also a high priority 

for the Service, and one 

which is strongly supported 

by Operations Support 

Command. The Public Safety 

Response Team is deployed to 

significant events throughout 

the state to support local 

policing resources in crowd 

management operations, in 

particular where there is the 

likelihood of excessive alcohol 

or illicit drug consumption. 

The Drug and Alcohol 

Coordination Unit, while nonoperational, 

provides critical 

policy and program support to 

police regions to aid in harm 

minimisation strategies for 

members of the Queensland 

community. 

Although the image of 

policing in Queensland 

focuses on the sworn 

members of the Service, the 

staff members who provide 

support to all manner of 

activities within the QPS must 

be recognised. Operations 

Support Command 

maintains a significant 

level of staff members to 

support policing activities, 

including administration 

officers, operational stream 

officers, research officers and 

professional officers. The 

importance of the policy, 

research and administrative 

duties performed by these 

members within each 

branch of the Command 

is to be commended. 

The professionalism and 

dedication shown by all levels 

to support frontline police 

officers is a credit to the 


I am confident the 

dedication of all members 

within Operations Support 

Command will enhance the 

operational roles already 

provided by the police 

regions to ensure the safety 

of all people throughout 


I commend this April 

Police Bulletin to you as a 

demonstrated commitment 

by Operations Support 

Command to front-line 

policing. 

6 


FROM NEIL ROBERTS MP 

MinisTER FOR POLICE, CORRECTIVE SERVICES AND EMERGENCY SERVICES 

Message from the 

Minister 

The Premier and I recently 

announced the reappointment 

of Commissioner Atkinson 

as Queensland’s most senior 

police officer for a further 

three years. 

During his more than 40 

years with the Queensland 

Police Service, Commissioner 

Atkinson has served in a 

variety of locations across the 

state in a range of roles. 

In the past nine years, the 

Commissioner has overseen a 

26 percent drop in the overall 

rate of crime in Queensland— 

an outstanding achievement. 

Importantly, he has led the 

police service with honour and 

integrity and his leadership 

has inspired public confidence 

in the QPS. 

The Queensland Police 

Service has come a long 

way since Commissioner 

Atkinson was first appointed 

in November 2000. 

The number of sworn officers 

has increased from 7,500 to 

more than 10,400 today. 

In excess of 80 new police 

stations and Police Beats 

have commenced operation 

or been refurbished or 

renovated. 

The QPS has also received 

national and international 

recognition for its work, 

particularly Taskforce Argos 

which investigates child abuse 

and exploitation, and the 

Fraud and Corporate Crime 

Group. 

The government has 

absolute confidence in your 

Commissioner’s abilities to 

lead the Queensland Police 

into the future and tackle any 

challenges ahead. 

Deputy Commissioner Kathy 

Rynders’ announcement 

last month of her intention 

to retire has resonated 

throughout the Service. 

Deputy Commissioner 

Rynders has served the 

Queensland community with 

distinction and integrity for 

almost 35 years. 

The Deputy Commissioner 

started her career in the QPS 

in 1975, spending her early 

career in general duties and 

the traffic branch before 

moving through prosecutions, 

and spending several years in 

South Eastern Region in the 

roles of Regional Duty Officer, 

District Inspector and District 

Officer. 

In 1999, she was promoted 

to Chief Superintendent in 

charge of education and 

training, before becoming 

Assistant Commissioner, 

Crime and Misconduct 

Commission, and later 

Metropolitan South Region 

before being appointed 

Deputy Commissioner 

(Regional Operations) in 

March 2008. 

During my time as Police 

Minister, I have trusted and 

respected the advice provided 

by Deputy Commissioner 

Rynders on the operations of 

the QPS. 

On behalf of all 

Queenslanders I thank Deputy 

Commissioner Rynders for her 

dedication and professional 

service, and I wish her well for 

her retirement. 


Supporting 

the front line 

Assistant Commissioner Brett Pointing 

together with Chief Superintendent Katarina 

Carroll, Operations Support Command, ensure 

operational police officers are provided with the 

support they need to carry out their daily duties. 

Operations Support 

Command (OSC) could be 

likened to the engine room 

of the Queensland Police 


The specialist units within 

the Command include the 

Dog Squad, Public Safety 

Response Team, Explosive 

Ordnance Response Team, 

Negotiators, Air Wing, Scenes 

of Crime, Forensics, Traffic 

and Crime Prevention to 

name but a few. 

Assistant Commissioner of 

OSC, Brett Pointing, believes 

supporting police in their 

many and varied duties is 

the central function of the 

Command. 

“Operational police officers, 

whether it be general duties 

officers, plain clothes officers, 

or specialist areas are the 

heart and soul of the QPS,” 

Assistant Commissioner 

Pointing said. 

“Our Command never loses 

sight of the fact that we only 

exist to provide them with the 

support they need.” 

Modern policing is becoming 

increasingly complex 

and challenging. New 

technologies facilitate new 

types of crime. The Command 

is continually looking at ways 

to support the front line, and 

advance the professionalism 

of the Service by researching 

and adopting new techniques 

and technology. 

In mid 2010, Policelink will 

come online and provide 

an additional 24 hour pointof-contact 

for people in 

Queensland wishing to 

contact police to report nonurgent 

incidents, in particular 

minor property crime. This 

new service will encourage 

community members to 

report a range of crimes and 

incidents using a nationally 

adopted number. 

It is anticipated Policelink 

will reduce the call burden, 

increase capacity of 

operational police and 

facilitate the delivery of 

improved client services to 

the community and QPS 

members. 


Pointing joined the QPS in 

1978 as a police cadet when 

he was 15 years old. He has 

policing in his veins and 

understands the needs of 

operational police officers. 

“My father Laurie retired as 

an Assistant Commissioner 

in 1993 and my two brothers, 

John and Glen, are also 

currently in the QPS,” 


Pointing said. 

“I was sworn in as a police 

officer in 1981 and started as a 

general duties officer walking 

the beat at City Station. In 

1982, I was seconded to the 

Mounted Unit for six months 

for the Commonwealth 

Games. That was a fascinating 

experience. 

“I have also worked in 

rural communities such as 

Goondiwindi, Roma and 

Charleville. Working within 

the dynamics of a small 

community was enormously 

rewarding and an experience I 

will never forget.” 

In 2003, the then Chief 

Superintendent was based 

at the Oxley Police Academy 

and was responsible for 

writing the business case for 

the new police academy at 

Wacol. 

In 2008, he became the 

Assistant Commissioner for 

Metropolitan South Region, 

before being transferred 

to his current position as 

head of Operations Support 

Command. 


Pointing said his career 

highlights so far included 

attending the FBI National 

Academy course in Qantico, 

Virginia, and undertaking 

a Leadership in Counter- 

Terrorism course at Harvard 

University, Boston. 

“Queensland has the 

combined tyrannies of 

distance and remoteness, 

and we are acutely aware 

that what works in Brisbane 

may not necessarily work 

in regional or remote 

Queensland,” Assistant 

Commissioner Pointing said. 

“Understanding those 

differing needs, and 

responding to them, is a key 

function of the Command.” 

By Michelle Fleming, 


8 


A lifeline for 

emergency situations 

When faced with a dangerous 

or life threatening situation, 

the first thing most people do 

is call Triple Zero (000)—the 

lifeline from the public to 

the appropriate emergency 

service. 

When callers request the 

police, they are connected 

to a Police Communications 

Centre (PCC), an emergency 

hub located in every major 

city throughout Queensland. 

These call centres are staffed 

24 hours a day by both police 

officers and civilian staff 

who are trained to deal with 

high stress and confronting 

situations. 

Inspector Paul Fogg, Officerin-Charge 

of the Brisbane 

PCC, said they were always 

striving to provide their 

clients with the best possible 

service. 

“PCC staff display a very high 

degree of professionalism and 

a broad range of legislative 

knowledge and advanced 

computer skills,” Inspector 

Fogg said. 

“The fast paced environment 

of the PCC requires a highly 

trained professional staff to 

maintain the high standards 

expected.” 

Inspector Fogg said it wasn’t 

commonly known that 

members of the PCC not 

only assisted members of the 

public, but also police officers 

in need of urgent information. 

“Many people outside the 

QPS may not be aware how 

important our centre is for 

other police officers as well 

as the public. Officers use the 

PCC to receive job taskings 

and provide information vital 

to their own safety,” he said. 

With such a vital service to 

provide, PCC operators can 

sometimes become frustrated 

when callers abuse the Triple 

Zero (000) service. Operators 

report that non-essential 

calls, such as a request for a 

ride home after a night out in 

town or advice on what to do 

about kids playing cricket in 

the dog park, occur almost on 

a daily basis. 

Carmen Cheng, who has 

been a civilian communication 

room operator for 18 months, 

said non-essential calls 

hindered the important work 

performed in the PCC. 

“It is very rewarding when 

you are helping someone 

in need, however it makes 

our job much more stressful 

when people ring up for 

silly reasons, when you 

know someone with a true 

emergency call might be 

trying to get through,” Ms 

Cheng said. 

“Often people who call Triple 

Zero (000) do need police 

assistance, but it is not an 

emergency. In this instance 

they should look up the 

number of their local police 

station. Sometimes we even 

get calls from people to ask 

what their local police station 

number is.” 

Many people that misuse 

the service are affected by 

alcohol, young children, suffer 

from mental illness or are 

simply pranksters. 

As far as the pranksters go, 

police officers in the PCC 

have the ability to identify 

callers. If a caller abuses 

the Triple Zero (000) service 

repeatedly, they can face 

legal proceedings. 

Inspector Fogg said that 

members of the public could 

assist by undertaking several 

simple actions. 

“Program the number for 

the nearest police station 

into your mobile phone and 

house phone, put the number 

on the fridge, and educate 

children in the appropriate 

use of Triple Zero. 

“Implementing these 

measures will help to ease 

some of the pressure on staff, 

and allow police to assist 

people in an emergency more 

quickly. 

“The people of Queensland 

are our clients and we want to 

ensure we are serving them 

efficiently,” he said. 

By Claire Hauser, 


The Duty Officer and State Duty 

Officer monitoring the Brisbane Police 

Communications Centre. 


Developments 

in Forensic 

Science 

— keeping ahead 

of the criminals 

With the popularity of crime 

shows on television and in 

films, most people are aware 

of the sophisticated forensic 

techniques science has 

brought to bear on solving 

crime. 

What people may not be 

aware of is the quiet evolution 

of this technology being 

driven by Queensland Police 

Service members within the 

Forensic Services Branch. 

The Forensic Services 

Branch incorporates the 

Photographic and Electronic 

Recording Sections (PERS), 

Fingerprint Bureau, Scientific 

Section, DNA Management 

Section, Quality Management 

Section and the Coronial 

Support Unit. 

Inspector Adrian Freeman, 

head of PERS, explained 

how some of the pioneering 

techniques developed in the 

last few years had already 

evolved into an efficient 

operational response. 

“We recruit qualified people 

and invest in specialised 

training to ensure all our 

staff—officers and civilians— 

are highly skilled at capturing, 

examining, analysing and 

processing images, CCTV and 

audio evidence,” Inspector 

Freeman said. 

“This high level of 

commitment ensures we 

are applying the most 

contemporary methods to 

our forensic investigations. 

Investigators can have 

confidence the evidence 

produced for an investigation 

or presentation in court is of 

the highest standard. 

“Over the past 10 years, 

Interactive Crime Scene 

Recording has become 

the flagship technology for 

recording crime scenes by the 

Photographic Section. The 

idea of digitally recording 360 

degree images of locations 

had been in use for some time 

but Queensland police were 

the first to apply the concept 

to crime scene recording in 

1998. Since then, it has been 

internationally recognised for 

this application.” 

Now known as Interactive 

Forensic Imaging System 

(IFIS), it includes links 

to photographs, maps, 

interviews and other related 

material that enables a jury to 

orientate themselves within 

a crime scene in a way that 

photographs could never do. 

Inspector Freeman said once 

a major crime was discovered, 

timing was crucial when 

coordinating the various 

forensic experts involved. 

“At times we need to get 

the photographers in first 

to record the evidence in 

its pristine state, but the 

scanning process takes a long 

time and we can’t hold up 

the other forensic experts,” 

Inspector Freeman said. 

“We went back to the 

manufacturers and invested 

in a new LED light system 

that fits on either side of 

the camera head. This has 

improved productivity and 

reduced the time the forensic 

photographers need to spend 

in the crime scene. Investment 

in these lights has reduced 

the scanning time from 

approximately 20 minutes 

down to three to six minutes.” 

Speed however, is not always 

of primary importance when 

it comes to uncovering 

evidence that may lead to a 

conviction. 

Police photographers 

Sergeant Michell Roberts 

and Sergeant Ken Leitch 

are pioneering the use of 

ultraviolet (UV) and infrared 

(IR) photography to detect 

bite marks and old tattoos 

10 


that have disappeared from 

view. 

Sergeant Leitch said the 

advantage of using the 

invisible wavelengths was 

that it filtered out unwanted 

information. 

“UV light has a very short 

wavelength and it doesn’t 

penetrate as far into the 

skin as visible light does,” 

Sergeant Leitch said. 

“This means we can isolate 

and photograph the 

image at the surface of the 

skin, disregarding all the 

information below it. 

“We monitored a bite mark 

on a police officer that had 

completely disappeared 

from sight. After 57 days, 

using UV techniques, we 

could photograph the bite 

mark detail to a degree of 

accuracy where features were 

identifiable to a forensic 

dental expert. 

“Infrared light, on the 

other hand, has a very long 

wavelength and penetrates 

deep into the skin. This 

allows us to disregard all the 

information visible to the 

naked eye and photograph 

evidence deeper down, such 

as a tattoo that has been 

removed by laser.” 

Sergeant Leitch said the 

technique could be used to 

corroborate specific events, 

such as an injury that had 

healed. 

are searching for so we can 

corroborate the witness’s 

version of events,” he said. 

Photographic Section 

members are researching a 

number of new technologies 

such as facial recognition 

software and 3D modelling for 

crime scenes, however one 

new project that is already 

proving its worth is Visual 

Imaging Comparison (VIC). 

While most businesses have 

CCTV installed, the images 

are often too poor a quality 

to identify an offender with 

any certainty. Sergeant 

Brett Schnitzerling has 

been analysing footage to 

optimise its evidential value to 

investigations. 

“CCTV footage may help us 

identify a particular brand of 

shoes, but it doesn’t prove 

they were the ones worn 

by the suspect,” Sergeant 

Schnitzerling said. 

“What we’ve been working 

on is picking up unique 

indicators on clothing or items 

that, if found in the suspect’s 

possession, will provide proof 

they were at the scene.” 

The skill required for this work 

lies in being able to spot 

irregularities and then being 

able to rule out if the artefact 

was caused by the recording 

equipment or some other sort 

of interference. It requires 

an expert knowledge of 

digital recording technology 

and Sergeant Schnitzerling 

has built up considerable 

expertise in this field. 

Electronic Recording 

Section 

The enhancement of poor 

quality video and audio 

recordings forms the basis of 

case file work performed by 

members of the Electronic 

Recording Section (ERS). 

These civilian staff members 

have qualifications in the 

fields of audio engineering, 

An expert from the Photographic Section 

scans a crime scene using the Interactive 

Forensic Imaging System. The new LED 

lighting system has reduced scanning 

time from 20 minutes to around six 

minutes, allowing other forensic experts to 

access the scene sooner. 

“If a victim claims he has been 

hit with a belt buckle and 

can tell us when the injury 

occurred, on which part of 

the body he was hit, and the 

shape of the object, then we 

can corroborate the claim and 

possibly fit the object to the 

injury. 

“The technique shouldn’t be 

seen as a fishing expedition; 

it’s best to know what we 

The Quality Management Section is responsible for the development, validation and approval 

of all forensic procedures and methods used by Queensland police. Research staff ensure the 

Service is employing the most up to date methods and technology, and also develop new 

and novel approaches to the collection and processing of forensic evidence. For example, 

the swab and tapelift kits developed by The Quality Management Section (QMS) have 

dramatically reduced the processing time imposed on DNA profilers. 

Forensic Services Branch has 35 laboratories throughout the state and is corporately 

accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). QMS is responsible for 

the rigorous biannual internal audit regime to ensure that the work conducted complies with 

world best laboratory practice. 


music, and film and television, 

and require a base knowledge 

in digital recording 

technologies. 

Senior Sergeant Steve 

Morley, Officer-in-Charge of 

ERS, said the majority of the 

work involved converting 

digital CCTV footage into 

suitable viewing formats, and 

enhancing audio and visual 

evidence for investigative 

purposes. The section also 

prepares video footage for 

media release and court 

presentation, which can often 

be a time consuming and 

exacting task. 

“For example, a nightclub 

may have 15-20 security 

cameras throughout the 

premises and recordings 

that contain footage of the 

movements of hundreds of 

people,” Senior Sergeant 

Morley said. 

“Typical requests include 

retrieving and converting 

footage from each camera, 

and then tracking the 

movement of individuals 

within the footage to enable 

jury members to closely 

observe each person’s 

movements and actions 

throughout the period of 

interest.“ 

Senior Sergeant Morley said 

ERS technicians could often 

make vast improvements to 

vocal intelligibility in audio 

recordings by removing hum, 

buzz and background noise. 

“We also provide advice on 

video or audio recordings that 

may have been tampered with 

or require authentication. For 

example, if a sound recording 

is alleged to have taken 

place at a stated location, 

we can identify acoustical 

components that prove or 

disprove this claim. 

“Similarly, some video 

evidence can be markedly 

improved, although where 

recordings suffer from poor 

resolution, subject movement 

and camera placement, 

enhancement is limited. 

This is despite what is often 

depicted in forensic television 

programs and movies.” 

Scientific Section 

When police found the 

decomposing body of a 

bee keeper in 2007, it was 

not initially apparent he 

had been shot. No entry 

wounds were evident, and 

while Scenes of Crime 

Officers (SOCO) commenced 

collecting samples from the 

crime scene, police are not 

authorised or qualified to 

examine a body. It is the job 

of pathologists at the John 

Tonge Centre to conduct post 

mortem examinations, and 

it may be 24 hours or longer 

before police receive vital 

information on the cause of 

death. 

When investigators were later 

reflecting how it may have 

changed the initial focus of 

the investigation had they 

been immediately aware 

of the bullets in the man’s 

body, Sergeant David North, 

along with other members of 

Brisbane Scientific Section, 

got to thinking. 

As part of his career 

advancement to Sergeant, 

he was completing a Masters 

Degree in Forensic Science 

and needed a research 

project. The National Counter 

Terrorism Committee had 

issued every jurisdiction in 

Australia with a portable x-ray 

machine to search for bombs 

and articles in briefcases and 

packages. Sergeant North 

decided to base his research 

on whether this existing 

equipment and technology 

could be used at crime scenes 

to provide clues early in 

investigations. 

He said his research had 

shown that the initial high 

pressure phase at the 

beginning of an investigation 

was when the technology 

could be most useful. 

“Pathologists at the John 

Tonge Centre conduct a full 

x-ray at the post mortem 

examination of course, but 

having that information so 

early hones the way police 

move the investigation 

forward,” Sergeant North 

said. 

“The technology was not 

designed for this application 

and it’s nowhere near as 

sophisticated as what you find 

in hospitals or mortuaries, but 

it’s simple and immediate.” 

The XR200 hand held unit is 

pointed at the target object 

and x-rays travel through 

the object and onto a 

backplate. The information is 

automatically transferred to a 

Toughbook laptop computer 

where the forensic scientist 

can view it immediately, 

almost as if it were a form of 

x-ray vision. 

Teamed with the Forensic 

Services Branch’s Mobile 

Data Entry System, a first for 

Australian police, Sergeant 

North’s skills, and those of his 

A fingerprint located at a crime scene is 

enhanced with brush and powder, then 

photographed and the image uploaded on 

to a Toughbook laptop computer. Using 

the Forensic Mobile Data Entry system, 

the image is wirelessly transmitted through 

to experts in the Fingerprint Bureau for 

comparison. 

12 


colleagues, can be invaluable 

to investigators. 

In a recent case, Sergeant 

North applied the technique 

when investigating a skull 

found at a waste facility at 

Willawong, in Brisbane’s 

south. An external assessment 

revealed what looked like a 

piece of metal embedded 

in the bone. An x-ray 

examination in the field 

showed that the object was 

a screw. Models made for 

medical students use real 

bones and investigators were 

able to conclude the skull was 

part of a discarded medical 

model and not a victim of a 

crime. 

Sergeant North is one of 

only four scientific officers 

licensed and retrained 

annually to adhere to the 

strict safety guidelines that 

apply to operating radiation 

equipment. 

The State Coroner has 

authorised these officers to 

conduct x-ray examinations 

on bodies related to crime 

scenes. 

Sergeant North said one of 

the greatest benefits of the 

technology was the speed 

and convenience in which 

An external assessment reveals what looked like a piece of 

metal embedded in a skull discovered at a waste facility. An x-ray 

examination in the field reveals that the object is a screw, and 

investigators are able to conclude the skull is part of discarded 

medical model and not a victim of a crime. 

suspicious deaths could be 

ruled out. 

“I was recently on a course in 

Hobart when I was asked to 

look at some bones that were 

photographed by a Scenes 

of Crime officer in Emerald, 


“Using the Toughbook laptop 

computer, I was able to 

view the images and make 

a determination. I could see 

immediately they were only 

animal bones. It was great to 

have the opportunity to do 

this visual examination from 

another state. The wireless 

digital system is great. In the 

old days it would have taken 

days. Now it takes seconds.” 

Queensland Police forensic 

officers are recognised as 

experts in their field and 

their services are often 

requested to assist in 

overseas operations. Last 

August, the Australian Army 

invited Sergeant Donna 

MacGregor to be the forensic 

anthropologist on a specialist 

team to examine fragmentary 

human remains located at 

Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. 

The remains were located 

during local excavation work 

near Rabaul, along with 

various artefacts believed to 

belong to Australian soldiers. 

The identification process 

proved to be a daunting 

task, as the fragments had 

been mixed together and 

packaged into three boxes. 

The forensic team succeeded 

in identifying the remains of 

five young men of Caucasian 

ancestry, however they were 

not Australian, but rather from 

the subcontinent of India. 

Fingerprint Bureau 

While the science of using a 

person’s unique fingerprints 

to prove identification and 

solve crime has been in 

use since 1904, the QPS 

Fingerprint Bureau has greatly 

improved the technology over 

the past five years. 

Livescan was introduced in 

2006 and scanning equipment 

is now installed at 25 locations 

throughout Queensland, as 

Technicians in the Electronic Recording Section enhance poor quality video and 

audio recordings for investigative purposes and for presentation in court. This work 

can include preparing CCTV footage for media release (left), and improving vocal 

intelligibility of an audio recording by removing background noise (right). 


well as two portable Livescan 

stations. 

The technology has 

incorporated the solid 

science of fingerprinting with 

unprecedented speed and 

accuracy. 

Fingerprint expert Sergeant 

Waldemar Kowalczyk, who 

is one of several experts 

staffing the Livescan help 

desk in Brisbane’s Police 

Headquarters, explained how 

the process worked. 

“When people are taken to a 

watchhouse, their fingerprints 

are electronically scanned and 

uploaded to the Livescan help 

desk,” Sergeant Kowalczyk 

said. 

“The images are far more 

clear and sharp than the 

traditional ‘inked prints’, 

and they arrive immediately. 

We then get the images 

up on screen and compare 

them to any prints we have 

on record for that person. 

Within six minutes of being 

fingerprinted, we can detect 

if he or she is using a false 

name. 

“Five years ago it would have 

taken 24 hours to confirm 

identification. By that time, 

an offender could be long 

gone, especially if they were 

only picked up for a minor 

infringement. It’s vital for us to 

be able to link criminal history 

to the right person.” 

Besides being used to check 

prisoner identification, 

all Livescan prints are 

automatically compared with 

Sergeant Waldemar Kowalczyk, one of several officers who staff the Livescan help desk, compares a fingerprint electronically 

scanned at a watchhouse with a latent print previously found at the scene of an unsolved crime. The Livescan system has reduced 

the time taken to check prisoner identities and search the unsolved crimes database from 24 hours to around 15 minutes. 

prints on the unsolved crimes 

database which contains 

information from around the 

country. It takes the computer 

15 minutes to complete this 

search, and if a match is found 

it is then verified manually by 

two fingerprint experts, and 

the watchhouse is advised 

that the offender should be 

spoken to prior to release. 

“The speed of the Livescan 

system means that they have 

caught people responsible for 

serious crimes who have been 

picked up at the watchhouse 

on other unrelated matters. 

There have been more than 

1,600 identifications of serious 

offenders picked up for other 

crimes.” 

Technology has also helped 

speed up procedures in the 

field, with investigators at 

crime scenes virtually able 

to get real time information. 

Mobile Data Entry allows 

the rapid transfer of forensic 

evidence such as fingerprints, 

footprints or shoe prints from 

a crime scene to forensic 

experts for analysis. 

Inspector Keleher, Officerin-Charge 

of the Fingerprint 

Bureau, said a fingerprint 

expert would consider a 

number of techniques when 

completing a crime scene 

examination. 

“These may include spraying 

of chemicals, fuming a 

complete residence or car, or 

old-style brush and powders,” 

Inspector Keleher said. 

“Our fingerprint trainees 

and experts are dedicated to 

their science, and as such are 

trained in laboratory duties, 

photographic techniques 

and fingerprint computer 

searching and have high 

level skills in crime scene 

examinations.” 

When a fingerprint is located 

it is photographed and the 

image is uploaded on to a 

Toughbook laptop computer. 

The image is then wirelessly 

transmitted through a high 

speed mobile data network, 

which automatically transfers 

the data to the appropriate 

laboratory—in this case the 

Fingerprint Bureau. 

The Forensic Mobile Data 

Entry system increases the 

ability of operational police 

to catch criminals before 

they have the chance to 

commit further offences. The 

Forensic Services Branch was 

recognised with a Premier’s 

Award for Excellence for this 

initiative last year. 

The DNA Management Section is responsible for the management of DNA information and 

processes statewide. Since 2000, the QPS has been authorised to collect DNA samples 

from people charged with indictable offences, prisoners, and those who volunteer samples 

to assist with an investigation. DNA left at crime scenes such as hair, saliva and blood is also 

collected. The samples are analysed by Queensland Health, and the results stored on the 

QDNA database, which forms part of the National Criminal Intelligence DNA Database. This 

information sharing enables Queensland DNA profiles to be compared with profiles from 

other Australian states and territories. 

By Paula Hedemann, 


14 


Solving the puzzles 

Just as general duties police officers 

investigate traffic crashes and other 

incidents, Water Police investigate 

any marine incident occurring along 

Queensland’s extensive coastline and 

system of rivers and lakes. Besides 

acquiring all the skills of a land-based 

police officer, Water Police need a 

detailed knowledge of the maritime laws 

and regulations used in Queensland. 

Water Police Stations are dotted along 

the coast at Gold Coast, Wynnum, 

Brisbane, Kawana Waters, Hervey Bay, 

Yeppoon, Whitsundays, Townsville, 

Cairns and Thursday Island. The 

Brisbane Water Police is headquartered 

at Lytton, and incorporates the QPS Dive 

Unit, Marine Training Unit, Search and 

Rescue Unit and the Marine Technical 

Unit. 

These units are well equipped to 

provide a marine capability or to 

support local resources anywhere 

in Queensland. The following 

real life examples illustrate how 

these groups work together, as 

well as in conjunction with the 

Queensland Coast Guard and 

the Volunteer Marine Rescue, 

to respond to water-based 

incidents. 

1v2 

On an unusually warm August 

evening, a family was enjoying the 

conclusion to a fantastic afternoon 

boating around Moreton Bay in 

their 38ft Mustang Sports cruiser. 

As enjoyable as the day had been, the 

eight people in the vessel were looking 

forward to berthing at Rivergate, only a 

short run down the Brisbane River from 

the entrance. 

Then, in the darkness, the unthinkable 

happened. In an instant the calmness of 

the journey was torn apart as the vessel 

collided with the rock wall surrounding 

the reclaimed area of Fisherman’s Island. 

Four fishermen moored nearby saw 

the vessel strike the wall at 90 degrees, 

forcing it into the air. When the cruiser 

came to a standstill it was upside down, 

teetering on the edge of the rock wall. 

Injured passengers and debris were 

strewn over the 

rock wall and 

in the water. 

The fishermen 

sent a Mayday 

to the Brisbane 

Coast Guard, 

who in turn alerted 

Brisbane Water 

Police (BWP). Stationed only three 

nautical miles from the crash site, BWP 

responded with a fast vessel and two 

crew and arrived about 10 minutes later. 

On the way, the Water Police requested 

assistance from the Brisbane Volunteer 

Marine Rescue Unit at Manly. 

The location made it difficult for 

land-based units to get close, so the 

Water Police conveyed the injured 

passengers further along the rock wall 

and closer to waiting ambulances. 

Officers from Wynnum Police Station 

assisted ambulance officers in 

retrieving the passengers, and two 

were taken to hospital for treatment. 

Fortunately the two youngest 

passengers, a two-year-old and a 

three-year-old, were wearing personal 

floatation devices, which contributed to 

them receiving no injuries. 

Members of the Marine Technical Unit 

inspected the hull and mechanical 

aspects of the vessel and found there 

were no mechanical or hull problems that 

contributed to this incident. 

16 


of the deep 

BWP crew members investigating the 

crash identified that the master of the 

cruiser was relying on the cruiser’s auto 

pilot and GPS to steer them into the 

mouth of the Brisbane River and not 

physically keeping a look out. 

1v2 

It was determined that he must still be in 

the river, so a call went out to the Dive 

Unit. The divers travelled from Brisbane 

to the nearest town on the road between 

Mount Isa and Townsville, and then 

drove a further 80km to the scene. Due 

to the surging floodwaters, the divers 

were forced to wait a couple of days for 

the river to slow down enough to safely 

search. 

A short search located the grader upside 

down near the bridge, but the current 

was still too fast for safety. With help 

from locals in vehicles beside the river, 

the divers managed to tow the grader 

into a small eddy, allowing them to 

Members of the Marine 

Technical Unit are not sworn 

police officers, but are experts 

in all aspects of marine 

technology. Besides being 

responsible for the repair of 

all Water Police vessels and 

engines, they contribute 

greatly to the development 

of new vessels and provide 

expert mechanical and 

structural evidence for 

investigations. They are called 

on to provide written reports 

on the condition of any vessels 

involved in marine incidents, 

often travelling the state to 

do so. 

One big difference between 

marine and land investigations 

is that much evidence can be 

lost due to it sinking into the 

depths or drifting away on the 

tides. Members of the QPS 

Dive Unit become invaluable 

in these instances as they can 

retrieve any evidence from the 

river bed or ocean floor. 

The Flinders River was in flood when a 

grader driver from a remote property 

in western Queensland was attempting 

to clear the approaches to one of the 

few bridges that were still above water. 

While clearing the edge of the bridge his 

grader plunged into the fast flowing river 

with him trapped inside. The alarm was 

raised later that night and an extensive 

search was made of the river and 

surrounds by locals and police. 

search the cabin, which was still about 

three metres below the surface. 

Inside they found the missing driver. 

After removing the seat and battery 

boxes, the divers were able to free him 

and carry him up the steep bank into the 

care of an undertaker. The deceased man 

had lived in the area for many years and 

was well known to locals. The recovery 

of his body enabled friends and family to 

properly mourn his passing. 

As glamorous as it may sound, 

police diving is far from the 

clear reef diving seen in 

movies. It is mostly in black-out 

conditions where all searching 

is done by feel—and some 

things don’t feel very nice. 

Aside from their normal 

diving functions, members of 

the Dive Unit are involved in 

investigating all diving deaths, 

and are responsible for the 

testing of diving equipment 

and any recommendations or 

changes that may result from 

this. 

The specialised skills of Dive Squad members are 

invaluable when investigating crimes that occur 

in the marine environment. Divers endure almost 

black-out conditions and search by feel to retrieve 

evidence crucial to solving a case. 


1v2 

On a hot and humid summer 

afternoon, a teenaged boy 

was playing with friends 

in a flood-swollen creek in 

Brisbane’s south when he was 

suddenly swept away. His 

companions raised the alarm 

and a Search and Rescue 

Coordinator from BWP arrived 

on the scene. 

Members from the State 

Emergency Service were 

called in to search the banks 

of the creek while BWP towed 

two small craft on trailers to 

different locations on the 

creek. With two Water Police 

officers in each vessel, they 

were launched into the flood 

waters. 

Battling treacherous 

conditions and floating 

debris, the officers searched 

the water and both banks, 

investigating each eddy and 

overhang from where the 

child disappeared to the 

mouth of the creek. With the 

water level raised from the 

flooding, the crews were at 

times forced to disembark 

and float alongside the boats 

to clear some of the road 

and pedestrian bridges. The 

officers continued searching 

until darkness made it too 

dangerous to continue. 

At first light the next morning 

the Water Police officers 

were back, along with the 

Queensland Fire and Rescue 

Service (QFRS) in their 

inflatable craft, and members 

of the QPS Dive Unit. 

Bigger is not always best, as there are many places 

where only a small Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) 

or dinghy will fit. Water Police officers are skilled in 

navigating a range of vessels from the small, fast, 

highly manoeuvrable RHIBs to the 22ft catamarans 

that can function as a forward command post and 

may leave shore for days at a time. 

Kitted up in wet suits with 

fins and snorkels, the divers 

walked and swam the eight 

kilometres looking in and 

under all the snag points 

along the creek’s path. While 

the flood waters had subsided 

somewhat, there was still a 

strong current and a large 

amount of debris to contend 

with. 

Later that day, through the 

coordinated efforts of water 

police, divers and QFRS, 

searchers located the child’s 

body about 500m from 

where he was last seen. The 

sad discovery brought to 

an end nearly 18 hours of 

intensive searching and frantic 

uncertainty for the boy’s 

family. 

By Acting Inspector 

Jim Whitehead, 

Brisbane Water Police 

18 


Dog Squad puppies 

best in Service 

The nine-week-old 

K litter puppies with 

Senior Sergeant Terry 

Cantwell are just entering 

their foster period of 

development. 

Five years ago the Queensland 

Police Service (QPS) Dog Squad 

faced a major predicament. 

Skilled, fully trained handlers were 

missing their biggest asset—a 

dog. 

This frustrating problem 

occurred when no suitable dogs 

were available for training in 

Queensland. The current General 

Purpose (GP) dogs were aging, 

and the Dog Squad had to 

consider their options. 

Queensland has one of the largest 

dog squads in Australia, so it was 

feasible for the QPS to implement 

their own German Shepherd 

puppy breeding program. 

Thanks to the program, the QPS 

GP dogs are now among the best 

dogs in the country. Other states 

look upon the Queensland squad 

to learn training techniques, but 

of course the techniques are 

greatly enhanced by having a 

good foundation—a specially 

bred puppy. 

Senior Sergeant Terry Cantwell is 

the State Training Coordinator 

for the QPS Dog Squad. 

“Different traits were evaluated, 

and based on these findings, the 

puppy breeding program began. 

“The traits our puppies must have 

to become good police dogs are 

a good tracking nose, a defence 

drive, prey drive and play drive. 

We get dogs that have these 

traits, and combine them with 

bitches with good hip scores, 

bone structure and no genetic 

faults.” 

Police dogs are de-sexed at a 

young age, but certain dogs 

are kept purely for breeding 

purposes. The breeding program 

also trades semen from interstate 

dogs to enrich the genetic pool. 

The quality bloodlines of the QPS 

dogs have made them popular 

sires for the RAAF breeding 

program. 

Some of the dogs reared in the 

puppy breeding program have 

gone on to live and work in New 

Zealand, Western Australia, 

South Australia and the Northern 

Territory. 

“They were absolutely amazed— 

our nine-week-old puppies are 

already capable of tracking short 

distances, which shows signs that 

theses pups are going to make 

excellent police dogs,” Senior 

Sergeant Cantwell said. 

The newest pups—K litter—are 

now entering the foster stage of 

their development, which sees 

them living in regular family 

homes for the next 12 months. 

“It is important for our dogs to 

learn how to be dogs. They need 

to be accustomed to noises, 

traffic, public transport and to 

learn how to play, and we are very 

grateful to the volunteers who 

foster the pups for letting them be 

members of their family for their 

first year.” 

Senior Sergeant Cantwell said 

the next litter of pups would be 

fathered by Police Dog Ike, who 

passed away over a year ago. 

“We are hoping that Ike will come 

through in the next litter. He 

was a wonderful police dog and 

his offspring have proven to be 

excellent also,” he said. 

“A committee was formed 

to discuss the needs of the 

current police service, and 

the kinds of dogs that were 

required,” Senior Sergeant 

Cantwell said. 

Recently, police officers from 

South Australia spent a week with 

the Dog Squad to learn training 

techniques, and chose two 

puppies to take back with them 

to become members of the South 

Australian Dog Squad. 

In the past year the puppy 

breeding program has expanded 

to breeding Labradors to be used 

as drug and explosives dogs. 



20 


On track 

to a safer 

future 

On track to a safer future— 

this is the motto of the QPS 

Railway Squad, one of the 

seven units forming the 

Specialist Services Branch 

(SSB). 

The Railway Squad comprises 

54 police officers across 14 

districts in the south east 

corner of the state. The squad 

is also supported by a number 

of civilian staff members as 

well as an Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait Islander Police 

Liaison Officer. 

Railway Squad members have 

a very large patrol area— 

400km of train track and 143 

train stations with an area 

of more than 22,000 square 

kilometers. To overcome 

these large distances the 

squad operates from five 

different offices at the Roma 

Street, Redbank, Petrie, 

Manly and Beenleigh railway 

stations. 

Senior Sergeant Ray Vine, 

Officer-in-Charge of the 

Railway Squad, said their 

goal was both to reduce 

criminal activity and increase 

perceptions of safety for 

commuters. 

“Our goal is to reduce and 

control criminal and antisocial 

behaviour within the 

rail network to the point 

where the public and staff 

experience high levels of 

confidence about their 

personal safety and security,” 

Senior Sergeant Vine said. 

“Members of the squad are 

not ‘ticket inspectors’; our 

operational activity is directed 

towards the relentless followup 

of criminal offences and 

the suppression of anti-social 

behaviour through highly 

visible team-based policing.” 

The Railway Squad works 

in close partnership with 

Queensland Rail and conducts 

regular joint operations with 

Transit Officers, regional 

police and other SSB 

members including the 

Mounted Police and the Dog 

Squad. The Railway Squad 

Tactician and the Intelligence 

Unit provide support for many 

of these operations. 

Railway Squad Tactician 

Senior Sergeant Stephen Vick 

said his role was to coordinate 

planning for operations 

and manage policing 

intelligence and requests for 

deployments. 

“It’s vitally important to ensure 

the resources are being 

directed to the right area at 

the right time, and that every 

operation is carefully planned 

using current intelligence,” 

Senior Sergeant Vick said. 

Besides patrolling the rail 

network, squad members 

conduct crowd management 

at major transport hubs during 

large sporting events, as well 

as drug dog operations and 

patrols with the new Firearm 

and Explosive Detection (FED) 

Dog. 

In a first for transit policing in 

Australia, the Railway Squad 

introduced the FED Dog to 

regularly patrol the city’s rail 

network in August 2009. FED 

Dogs patrol inner city and 

suburban railway stations 

and trains and routinely 

sniff around bins, under 

seats and through luggage 

compartments, as well as 

responding to potential 

threats such as suspect 

packages and abandoned 

luggage. 

The combined FED Dog and 

Railway Squad team makes 

for a highly visible presence 

on the rail network. Senior 

Sergeant Vine said commuters 

who saw police and the FED 

Dogs around railway stations 

need not be alarmed, as they 

were simply going about their 

normal daily work. 

One of the most effective 

resources the Railway 

Squad has available is the 

Queensland Rail CCTV 

network, with more than 6,000 

CCTV cameras at railway 

stations and on trains to 

help identify and apprehend 

offenders. 

The use of CCTV, joint police 

and transit officer operations, 

and the support of other 

specialist police units will 

ensure the Railway Squad 

remains on track to providing 

a safe environment for rail 

users. 


Jumping over barriers 

to maintain order 

Most people love animals. 

When a cute puppy is walking 

with its owner, it’s likely that 

people will stop to gush, even 

sneak a pat if possible. It’s no 

different when you belong to 

the Mounted Police. 

The QPS Mounted Unit 

works mainly around south 

east Queensland, providing 

a visible police presence at 

major events such as music 

festivals, Schoolies and New 

Year's Eve celebrations. 

Senior Sergeant Mark Paroz, 

Officer-in-Charge of the 

Mounted Unit, said the horses 

broke down barriers between 

police and the public. 

“People are generally not 

afraid to talk to a mounted 

police officer, due to the fact 

that animals have a calming 

influence,” Senior Sergeant 

Paroz said. 

“Horses in particular can be 

slow moving and their size 

makes them intimidating, 

which creates a sense of order 

in crowd situations.” 

One of the main 

purposes of 

the Mounted 

Unit is to make 

Queensland 

safer by 

creating a police presence, 

which deters crime. 

“We are requested repeatedly 

to patrol campsites during 

music festivals like the 

Gympie Music Muster, and 

organisers have noticed 

a significant reduction in 

thieving. 

“We help regions with 

targeted operations whenever 

we are needed. Generally 

they are ‘good order’ 

operations,” he said. 

Mounted police are just like 

any other police unit—they 

can pursue offenders and 

make arrests when necessary. 

Recently, a mounted officer 

came to the aid of a foot 

patrol at a music festival on 

the Gold Coast. 

“A foot chase was taking 

place to try to apprehend a 

drug 

dealer. The offender 

was evading police when the 

mounted officer galloped to 

the rescue and apprehended 

him,” Senior Sergeant Paroz 

said. 

“Often people don’t realise 

the mounted officers have 

the same responsibilities as 

regular officers. On Saturday 

nights in the city, mounted 

officers often pull over drivers 

for random breath testing 

when they suspect they are 

intoxicated.” 

On a few occasions, they 

have even unexpectedly 

apprehended people wanted 

on warrants. 

“People come up to stroke 

the horses and the next 

thing you know the officers 

have realised they are 

actually wanted on a warrant. 

Normally 

offenders do their best to 

avoid police, but sometimes 

people don’t realise that the 

riders are actually officers,” 

Senior Sergeant Paroz said. 

The Mounted Unit is one 

of the oldest units of the 

Queensland Police Service, 

dating back to the beginning 

of the state. 

It was expected the 

introduction of bicycles and 

motorbikes would consign 

the mounted unit to a purely 

ceremonial role, and this was 

largely the case during the 

1980s. 

However due to their 

popularity and repeated callbacks 

to events, 95 percent of 

the work of the Mounted Unit 

is operational, with only five 

percent ceremonial, proving 

their worth as a fully functional 

operational unit. 



22 


Ready for 

take off whenever 

disaster strikes 

Strategic coordination in 

response to major events and 

critical incidents, plus relevant 

recovery tactics, are the 

specialist fields handled by 

the Disaster and Major Events 

Planning Branch (DMEPB). 

Beneath the umbrella of 

DMEPB sit three teams who 

focus their attention on the 

specific units of the branch— 

disaster management, major 

event coordination and Police 

Air Wing. 

Acting Superintendent Peter 

Owens, of the DMEPB, said 

emergency responses to 

natural disasters, coordination 

of the police response 

to visiting international 

dignitaries, and the 

transportation of high profile 

prisoners were among the 

variety of jobs managed by 

these areas. 

“Throughout the first half of 

March we had an aircraft on 

standby, ready to respond 

to QPS needs in western 

Queensland due to flooding,” 

Acting Superintendent Owens 

said. 

“Air Wing responded 

to requests from the 

Toowoomba Regional Office 

and we remained on standby 

to transport officers to the 

area, as well as coordinating 

the safe evacuation of the 

public.” 

On March 2, the Major Events 

section was responsible 

for coordinating the police 

response during the memorial 

for the victims of the WWII 

hospital ship Centaur, which 

was recently located on the 

sea bed. 

“It was essentially a state 

funeral and obviously a very 

solemn occasion,” Acting 

Superintendent Owens said. 

“We responded to 

information throughout the 

day in relation to surrounding 

dignitary visits while being 

mindful of the presence of the 

relatives of the victims of the 

Centaur. 

“It was important to observe 

and be respectful of the 

protocols for both the 

relatives and the dignitaries.” 

Last year, several officers from 

the Disaster Management 

team of DMEPB were 

deployed to the flooded 

northern policing region 

following the aftermath of 

Cyclone Ellie which wreaked 

havoc in north Queensland. 

The floods left many families 

homeless due to the 

inundation of water, and food 

supplies were coordinated by 

helicopter. 

Police officers formed part 

of the whole-of-government 

District Disaster Management 

Group, which coordinated 

operations from Brisbane. The 

group also included officers 

from Australian Defence 

Force, Hinchinbrook Shire 

Council and the Department 

of Communities. 

Acting Superintendent 

Owens said while the 

Disaster Management team 

24 


coordinated the police 

response, it was regional 

police officers who helped 

ensure the operation’s 

success. 

“We have a very dedicated 

team here at DMEPB but we 

couldn’t do our job properly 

without the support we 

receive from the regions,” 

Acting Superintendent Owens 

said. 

“We never take command of 

their officers on the ground 

but instead coordinate the 

police response. Operations 

Support Command specialist 

officers and regional staff 

deployed during these 

incidents are critical to our 

success.” 

Police Air Wing 

Project Officer Senior 

Sergeant John Goldsworthy 

said the main role of the 

Air Wing was passenger 

transport, which was both 

cost effective for the Service 

Providing a strategic coordinated policing response to major 

events and critical incidents is the domain of the Disaster 

and Major Events Planning Branch. Officers from the Major 

Event section monitor the situation on the ground during 

public gatherings such as Brisbane’s annual Riverfire 

festival. 

as well as being mission 

responsive. 

“Air Wing aircraft are 

responsible for deploying 

specialist police officers 

including the Public Safety 

Response Team (PSRT) 

and the Disaster Victims 

Identification Squad (DVIS) 

to incident zones,” Senior 

Sergeant Goldsworthy said. 

“When these police need to 

go somewhere, they usually 

need to get there now. 

“Air Wing can be ready for 

take off within two hours of a 

request as well as having the 

capability to carry specialist 

equipment, which may be 

problematic to commercial 

airlines. 

As well as providing a regular transport service for police officers 

and prisoners, the Air Wing stands ready to respond to emergencies 

by transporting specialist officers such as the Public Safety 

Response Team (pictured) or the Disaster Victims Identification 

Squad throughout the state. 


“Officers are also able to 

discuss tactical and potentially 

sensitive information so they 

are well briefed during the 

flight, while being assured 

of confidentiality,” Senior 

Sergeant Goldsworthy said. 

As well as transporting 

specialist officers to 

incident scenes, Air Wing is 

responsible for transporting 

prisoners under police escort 

throughout the state. 

Transport of prisoners on Air 

Wing aircraft over extremely 

long distances reduces the 

risks inherent in long road 

escorts, including security and 

environmental factors. 

At other times, Air Wing has 

been asked to engage in 

search and rescue assistance 

(SAR) as part of a whole-ofgovernment 

response. Chief 

Pilot Mal Lynch said the Air 

Wing assisted in the search 

for a missing vessel near New 

Caledonia recently. 

“We got the call around 3am 

about a missing yacht 500 

nautical miles north east of 

Brisbane,” Chief Pilot Lynch 

said. 

“It’s a long way out for the 

jet, and we had a strong tail 

wind of about 130 knots, so 

we knew we would be fighting 

a fierce headwind on the 

way back. We descended to 

about 500 feet in the search 

area and managed to locate 

the vessel within about 20 

minutes. 

“We noticed the two-man 

crew had evacuated the vessel 

and were in a raft. We circled 

the raft knowing a rescue 

vessel and another aircraft 

were on their way to rescue 

the pair. 

“We worked out if we 

used the tail wind to reach 

Noumea, it would give us an 

extra hour of fuel to remain at 

the scene and keep an eye on 

the sailors until help arrived. 

“We landed in La Tontouta to 

refuel while another aircraft 

arrived at the site of the raft 

doing exactly the same thing 

we did. Not long after that, 

a fishing vessel arrived and 

picked up the two men. 

“We don’t have the ability to 

provide direct support and 

this is normally when aircraft 

with air drop capabilities are 

deployed.” 

The Air Wing has been called 

upon to work in conjunction 

with Queensland Health to 

transport priceless donor 

organs destined for anxious 

patients. 

“It’s always a day of mixed 

feelings when these missions 

are flown,” Senior Sergeant 

Goldsworthy said. 

“You know it’s an incredibly 

sad day for one family and a 

miraculous day for another.” 

By Chrissie McLeod, 


26 


Public Safety 

Response Team 

—a foul-weather friend 

When disaster events such as 

Cyclone Larry devastate entire 

communities, local police 

officers are among those 

whose lives are disrupted. 

How do police continue 

to protect and service the 

community while getting their 

own houses in order? 

The Public Safety Response 

Team (PSRT) is a public order 

unit under the auspices of the 

Specialist Services Branch. 

The squad was established 

as a full-time unit in 1994 and 

currently has a staff of 45. 

Prior to this date there was a 

part-time PSRT unit that came 

together to police crowd 

management at large events 

such as Gold Coast Indy and 

New Year's Eve celebrations. 

It was due to the successes 

of the part-time unit and the 

growing need for the QPS to 

have a specialised response 

to protest, public order and 

mass gatherings, that the now 

full-time PSRT was formed. 

While the team’s main 

focus has been on crowd 

management and maintaining 

public order, in recent times 

the officers have also been 

called upon to assist in 

response to disasters. The 

PSRT’s main role in these 

circumstances has been 

to perform general duties 

policing in the areas affected, 

so that local officers affected 

by the disaster can attend to 

their families and homes. 

On March 20, 2006, Innisfail 

and its surrounding towns 

fell victim to the ferocity 

of Cyclone Larry. PSRT 

responded by rotating 

members throughout the 

Innisfail district for the 

following three months. 

Initially the officers performed 

command and coordination 

functions as well as antilooting 

patrols and general 

calls for assistance, such 

as clearing roadways and 

assisting residents stranded in 

their homes. 

However as the relief 

operation gained momentum, 

PSRT members took on a 

wide variety of other duties 

including general policing 

operations, recovery and 

damage response, and money 

escorts for relief payments to 

victims of the disaster. Some 

of the tasks taken on during 

this period were far removed 

from basic day-to-day duties 

of PSRT officers. 

Since the events of Cyclone 

Larry, team members have 

been involved in other 

disaster response efforts, 

including the Emerald and 

Mackay floods in 2008, 

and the Ingham floods in 

2009, as well as providing 

assistance with the clean up 

on Moreton Island after the 

Pacific Adventurer oil spill 

last year. PSRT officers also 

assisted with relief efforts 

resulting from the storm that 

devastated the Brisbane 

suburbs of The Gap and 

Windsor in May 2009. 

The diversification of the PSRT 

and its members means roles 

have expanded from crowd 

management and policing 

gatherings to managing, 

supporting, responding 

and providing relief to local 

resources during times of 

crisis. 

The PSRT continues to train, 

equip and further develop 

its response and support 

capability to disasters 

impacting on the state and 

members of the QPS. 

By Sergeant Jamie Downey, 

Public Safety Response Team 

Public Safety Response Team members 

remain at the ready to provide a 

specialised response to protests, mass 

gatherings or any situation where 

public safety is at risk. State-of-the-art 

equipment and constant training using 

diverse scenarios ensure the team is 

ready to step in if a situation becomes 

volatile. 


Police prosecutors— 

taking the investigation 

to its conclusion 

For most Queensland 

Police Service members, 

the job they perform 

daily is something they 

wholeheartedly believe 

in. And with that passion 

comes a constant pressure to 

execute that role to the best 

of their abilities. 

This is especially true of 

police prosecutors, whose 

efforts as advocates for the 

state in criminal prosecutions 

can often make or break a 

case. 

The reality of this is never lost 

on Sergeant Troy Newman, 

one of 44 officers with the 

Brisbane Police Prosecution 

Corps. 

“You’re the one who has to 

jump that final hurdle before 

a matter gets finalised, so 

there is a lot of pressure,” 

Sergeant Newman said. 

A part of the QPS Legal 

Services Branch, the Brisbane 

Police Prosecution Corps 

serve as advocates in 

matters before the Brisbane 

Magistrates Courts. From 

summary offences such as 

traffic violations and domestic 

violence, to indictable matters 

including rape and murder, 

the role performed by police 

prosecutors is multifaceted 

and always demanding. 

Sergeant Newman never 

envisioned becoming a 

police prosecutor when he 

began his career with QPS. 

Having earned a Bachelor of 

Science from university, he 

joined with a budding interest 

in forensics. However, after 

assuming a number of roles 

within QPS, including 

being a detective with State 

Crime Operations Command, 

Sergeant Newman believed 

that joining the Brisbane 

Police Prosecution Corps was 

the next natural step. 

“In my previous role I 

investigated matters and then 

presented that evidence to 

the court. Prosecuting now 

allows me to be a part of the 

final step, seeing a matter to 

its conclusion.” 

Prosecutors Senior Constable Carrie Davidson and Sergeant Troy Newman 

of the Brisbane Police Prosecution Corps serve as advocates for the 

Queensland Police Service in matters before the Brisbane Magistrates 

Court. Both challenging and rewarding, the role allows Police Prosecutors 

to take the combined efforts of fellow officers in investigations through to 

their conclusion in a court of law. 

Sergeant Newman’s 

colleague, Prosecutor Senior 

Constable Carrie Davidson, 

said she found the role both 

challenging and rewarding. 

“No day is ever the same, but 

the work is fascinating, and 

you’re always dealing with 

interesting cases,” Senior 

Constable Davidson said. 

Having wanted to join the 

police since she was a child, 

Senior Constable Davidson 

was driven by a similar 

enthusiasm when she entered 

the Prosecution Corps. For 

her, the passion for her work 

comes from achieving a sense 

of justice served. 

“You really do feel good 

when you get a successful 

outcome. It’s great to reward 

the arresting officers for all 

the time and effort they put 

in. It’s very satisfying,” she 

said. 

“Other times, when a victim 

is involved, and you succeed 

in resolving the matter, 

it’s very satisfying to have 

assisted them through the 

court process, experienced 

their gratitude and seen their 

appreciation for the efforts of 

the QPS.” 

Sergeant Newman said 

“Prosecutors are in a crucial 

position, and you want to 

make sure you don’t let 

anyone down.” 

As for Senior Constable 

Davidson, it is simply about 

“making as much of a 

difference as you can”. 

By Tim Larkin, 


28 


Maximising capabilit 

With the threat of terrorism 

lingering over our heads, the 

Counter-Terrorism Strategic 

Policy Branch (CTSPB) is 

proactively developing 

counter-terrorism initiatives, 

policies and strategies 

to effectively respond 

to a terrorism attack in 


Superintendent Shane 

Chelepy of the CTSPB said a 

review of overseas incidents 

highlighted the need for 

constant training in possible 

terrorism attack scenarios. 

“The response to the 

London bombing in 2005 

demonstrated that an 

effective training and exercise 

program greatly contributes 

to the ability to respond 

quickly and effectively 

in an act of terrorism,” 

Superintendent Chelepy said. 

The Capability Development 

section within the CTSPB has 

been formed as a result of 

a national counter-terrorism 

plan, which identifies the 

Queensland Police Service 

(QPS) as being responsible 

for preventing, responding 

to and investigating terrorism 

within Queensland. 

In order to comply with the 

national plan, the Capability 

Development section 

coordinates training through 

simulated counter-terrorism 

exercise programs, which 

allow the officers to prepare 

for possible terrorism attacks 

in Queensland and Australia. 

“We coordinate exercises 

which vary in size, as well 

as discussion forums 

developed to address current 

terrorist methodology,” 


“A small exercise can involve 

between 30 and 40 officers, 

while a large one can deploy 

up to 250 officers. 

“For example, the Capability 

Development section is 

currently coordinating an 

exercise simulating a suicide 

bomber travelling in a car 

from the Gold Coast towards 

Brisbane. 

“The exercise will involve 

between 30 and 40 officers 

from various units including 

the Explosive Ordnance 

Response Team, Police 

Negotiators, Special 

Emergency Response Team 

and general duties officers. 

The exercise will test how 

well the police response is 

coordinated and is designed 

to examine time-critical 

decision making by police 

commanders.” 

As part of a policy of 

continuous improvement, 

CTSPB is currently developing 

a course to train officers in 

designing, conducting and 

facilitating counter-terrorism 

exercises. 

The Capability Development section coordinates training through 

simulated counter-terrorism exercise programs, which allow the officers 

to prepare for possible terrorism attacks in Queensland and Australia. 

In this scenario, Special Emergency Response Team members (left) 

prepare to board a ‘terrorist’ vessel under sail in Moreton Bay. 

30 


y to minimise risk 

“The pilot for this course ran 

in March, and it is anticipated 

the first course will be run 

early in the new financial 

year,” Superintendent 

Chelepy said. 

“Participants in this course will 

develop and run a counterterrorism 

exercise in their 

region in order to fulfil the 

assessment requirements of 

the course.” 

In addition to training, 

CTSPB also focuses on 

engagement with owners 

and operators of critical 

infrastructure to ensure they 

are prepared for incidents. 

Critical infrastructure includes 

essential services like power, 

water, health services, 

communications systems and 

banking that would severely 

impact our way of life if 

disrupted. 

Superintendent Chelepy 

said Queensland’s Counter 

Terrorism Strategy (2008-2010) 

included an engagement 

strategy to develop and 

increase community, industry 

and government awareness 

of counter-terrorism 

arrangements, roles and 

relationships, and to engage 

these groups in 

strengthening 

Queensland’s 

response to 

terrorism. 

“We developed the role 

of a Counter-Terrorism 

Liaison Officer (CTLO) to 

effectively communicate and 

engage with the community 

and stakeholders,” 


“Since 2008, we have trained 

more than 143 police officers 

and staff members in various 

regions as CTLOs. 

“During the course they 

examine terrorism issues 

that may affect critical 

infrastructure, mass 

gatherings and events, and 

transport security. Participants 

also receive guidance on 

various issues such as risk 

management and community 

engagement.” 

CTSPB provides security 

advice to government, 

business and industry 

stakeholders. This advice 

includes an analysis of police 

intelligence to identify 

security vulnerabilities that 

could be exploited by criminal 

or terrorist groups. 

If you would like further 

information on stakeholder 

engagement, contact the 

CTSPB by email at counter. 

terrorism@police.qld.gov.au 

or by phoning 3364 6791. 

By Avital Terkowski, 



Forensic Crash Unit 

The role of the Forensic Crash Unit is not 

confined solely to the investigation of serious 

traffic crashes; it is also responsible for 

investigating serious injury or fatalities on 

aircraft, railway and industrial incidents, and 

electrocutions. 

Zeroing in 

on driver 

behaviour 

As a part of their commitment to road 

safety, Forensic Crash Unit members make 

recommendations to state and local Government 

agencies on traffic related issues; contribute to 

QPS submissions to the Parliamentary Travelsafe 

Committee; and give road safety presentations 

to schools, service clubs and other interested 

organisations. 

Roadside Drug Testing Unit 

The Roadside Drug Testing Unit (RDTU) has the 

ability to test motorists for relevant drugs. Before 

a motorist can be tested for drugs they must 

be breath tested, and be below their allowable 

alcohol limit. A roadside drug test takes five 

minutes to complete. The three drugs the QPS 

can test for using a saliva test are THC (cannabis), 

methyl amphetamines (speed), and MDMA 

(ecstasy). 

Accelerate. 

Brake. 

Wait for the light to change. 

Accelerate. 

What do I need at the shop? 

Accelerate. 

Accelerate. 

WHERE DID THAT CAR COME 

FROM? 

Crash. Pain. Blood. 

What went wrong? 

You may not be aware, but the 

most dangerous thing you will do 

today is drive your car. 

Glancing away to answer the 

phone, driving five km/h over the 

speed limit, or simply not paying 

attention is all it takes for drivers 

to be involved in a serious crash 

or worse. 

By the end of 2009, 329 people 

had died on Queensland roads. 

The main contributing factor was 

speed. 

The State Traffic Support Branch 

aims to reduce road trauma, 

improve road safety and help 

change driver behaviour through 

innovative strategies. 

Acting Chief Superintendent Col 

Campbell, State Traffic Support 

Branch, said everyone needed 

to take responsibility when they 

were on the roads. 

“People driving cars, trucks, 

motorcycles, people riding 

32 


ikes, pedestrians walking along 

the road—all need to know the 

laws that apply to them when 

they use the road,” Acting Chief 

Superintendent Campbell said. 

“We need to change the behaviour 

of drivers.” 

He said having strong 

communication messages about 

road trauma was a key step in 

influencing behaviour. 

“Step one is to inform the public 

about what causes crashes and 

what they need to do to prevent 

them. 

“Our next step is to enforce the 

laws to maintain road safety. Every 

police officer in Queensland has 

to be responsible for maintaining 

road safety and reducing road 

trauma.” 

Acting Chief Superintendent 

Campbell said he refuted claims 

that speed cameras in residential 

areas were placed purely for 

revenue making purposes. 

“We use speed cameras to 

improve safety on the roads. We 

will continue to do whatever it 

takes to make the roads safer, 

and we will continue to prosecute 

drivers who break the law. 

“The time has come for drivers 

to accept their responsibility and 

drive to the conditions. If you don’t 

want a ticket, don’t speed.” 

The State Traffic Support Branch is 

responsible for supplying resources 

and support to traffic branches 

throughout the state. 

The branch covers a range of areas 

including the acquisition of new 

technology, policy and legislation 

issues, operational resources, 

congestion management, the 

Forensic Crash Unit, the Roadside 

Drug Testing Unit and the Traffic 

Camera Office. 


Campbell said they were 

continually testing and trialling new 

technology such as the Truecams, 

which are being reviewed by the 

State Traffic Taskforce. 

“The Truecam is a combination of 

a laser speed gun and a camera, 

and is a relatively new technology 

which is being trialled,” he said. 

The branch works closely with 

other Queensland Government 

agencies to implement policy 

changes and provide updated 

information to traffic branches 

across the state. 

“All of the changes to state 

legislation come through our 

branch. It is our responsibility 

to make sure police officers 

throughout Queensland are 

provided with the current 

information. 

“Smoking in cars is a recent 

addition to legislation. The branch 

developed the offence codes 

and passed the information onto 

regional traffic branches.” 


Campbell said he urged all road 

users to consider their actions. 

“You wouldn’t walk along the 

street and break into someone’s 

house. So why would you think it 

is okay to travel above the speed 

limit or break other road rules? 

“Speeding, drink driving, driving 

tired and not wearing a seat belt 

are behaviours which risk your life. 

Using a mobile phone while driving 

is just as dangerous. 

“Stop and think about it the next 

time you get behind the wheel.” 

By Michelle Fleming, 


Traffic Camera Office 

The Traffic Camera Office contributes 

operational and strategic support to the 

Queensland Government’s aim of reducing the 

road toll in the management of the Red Light and 

Speed Camera programs. 

The Red Light Camera Program was introduced 

to Queensland in 1990. Currently there are 35 

red light cameras rotated among 140 sites in 

Queensland. The aim is to reduce the number of 

crashes at signalised intersections. 

The QPS has 30 operational speed cameras used 

at more than 3,200 approved sites throughout the 

state, as well as nine fixed speed cameras. The 

Service is also committed to the rollout of digital 

speed cameras. Enforcement camera systems 

have been installed in the Clem7 tunnel to 

promote compliance to the speed limits applied 

through the variable speed limit system. 

Vehicle impoundment 

Police in Queensland have been impounding 

vehicles since ‘hoon’ legislation was introduced 

in 2002 to curb burnouts, speed trials and street 

racing. Impoundable offences were expanded 

in 2007 and now include repeat offences of 

driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle; 

unlicensed or disqualified driving; driving at 0.15 

percent blood alcohol concentration or above; 

failing to provide a breath or blood specimen 

or driving under 24 hour suspension; and illegal 

modifications to vehicles. 

Impoundment focuses on incapacitating a driver 

by removing the motor vehicle, making it difficult 

to commit further offences. Repeat offenders risk 

having their vehicle impounded for three months, 

or even forfeited to the state. 


Internet 

scams 

cost seniors 

millions 

A research project conducted 

by the Queensland Police 

Service has identified senior 

citizens as being at high risk 

of falling victim to online 

scams. 

It is estimated that 

participants in the project 

have lost in excess of one 

million dollars to online 

scammers. 

The project, a joint initiative 

between Community Safety 

and Crime Prevention Branch 

and the Fraud and Corporate 

Crime Group, is being 

conducted by research analyst 

Dr Cassandra Cross, and is 

based around the issue of 

seniors and online fraud. 

Dr Cross said based on 

2004-2007 Australian Bureau 

of Statistics figures*, internet 

usage by Queenslanders 

aged between 65 and 

74 years had risen by 

approximately 40 percent, 

making seniors increasingly 

vulnerable to online scams. 

“Due to their relative 

inexperience with the 

internet, seniors are 

particularly vulnerable to 

online fraudsters,” Dr Cross 

said. 

“Many seniors also have 

access to substantial 

financial assets, such as 

superannuation, which makes 

them an attractive target. 

“The aim of the project is to 

understand why seniors are 

falling victims to these types 

of crimes—what makes them 

respond to scam emails or 

requests online.” 

Dr Cross travelled across the 

state to interview 85 people 

aged from 50-85 who have 

either been approached to 

take part in a scam or have 

been a victim of online fraud. 

“Scam emails typically enticed 

victims by outlining a business 

investment opportunity or a 

notification about a lottery win 

or an inheritance. Romance 

scams were also popular, 

initiated through several 

online dating sites,” she said. 

One woman lost more than 

$300,000 in a business related 

scam, but still refused to 

believe she had been lied to 

by the people she believed 

she was doing business 

with. This behaviour is not 

uncommon according to Dr 

Cross. 

“After the initial contact via 

email, the scammer builds 

a relationship with the 

victims over the telephone 

or face-to-face, and this 

contributes to their inability to 

recognise their experiences as 

fraudulent. 

“The woman spoke on the 

telephone almost every 

night over a two-year period 

with the two individuals who 

defrauded her. To her, the 

relationship she had built with 

the scammers was a deep 

friendship, which made it very 

difficult to eventually break.” 

In many cases, the scams 

were specifically targeted 

to the potential victim, with 

the scammer using previous 

research sourced online or 

information gained after initial 

contact to convince the victim 

the offer was real. 

“One victim lost over $50,000 

to an inheritance scam, with 

scammers using information 

on a genealogy site to find 

the victim’s relatives and 

create family trees,” Dr Cross 

said. 

Detective Superintendent 

Brian Hay of State Crime 

Operations Command’s Fraud 

and Corporate Crime Group 

estimates that thousands 

of seniors are targeted and 

become victims of online 

fraud. 

“We encourage everyone, 

including seniors, to come 

forward and report these 

types of offences, as this 

information helps police find 

effective ways to reduce these 

crimes. 

“We’d also like to hear from 

family members of seniors 

who recognise their loved one 

is being defrauded. Often, the 

victim is so caught up in the 

scam they ignore the pleas 

of their family and this 

can be quite frustrating for 

family members,” Detective 

Superintendent Hay said. 

Findings from the research 

project will be used to 

develop effective investigative 

strategies and education 

programs for the wider 

community. 

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008) 

Internet Access at Home, catalogue 

number 4102.0, Canberra. 

By Sonia Giovannetti, 

Community Safety and Crime 

Prevention Branch 

The Community Safety 

and Crime Prevention 

Branch develops 

strategies to help reduce 

and prevent crime and 

enhance community 

safety. It does this by 

forming partnerships 

with the community, 

government agencies 

and the private sector to 

identify and address the 

causes of crime and antisocial 

behaviour. 

The two arms of the 

Branch (Policy and 

Research, and Programs 

and Services) investigate 

and implement policies 

and programs that help 

operational police officers 

to deliver positive crime 

prevention outcomes to 

the community. 

34 


When the 

Despite their tough image, the Special 

Emergency Response Team find time to 

delight sick children at the Royal Children’s 

Hospital with their gravity defying skills. 

In August 2008 the Negotiator 

Coordination Unit, Special 

Emergency Response Team 

and Explosive Ordnance 

Response Team separated 

from Specialist Services 

Branch, and the new Specialist 

Response Branch was born 

within Operations Support 

Command. 

Under the command of a 

Superintendent, the three 

units travel statewide to assist 

all areas of the Queensland 

Police Service (QPS) with 

high risk situations, terrorist 

incidents and low risk 

matters that require specialist 

equipment, skills or tactics. 

The Australian and 

Queensland Governments 

have developed policies 

stating that negotiation 

is the preferred option to 

resolve high-risk incidents 

and terrorist situations. The 

Negotiator Coordination Unit 

(NCU) manages the training 

and operational deployment 

of 112 police negotiators 

who, apart from three NCU 

members, perform the role 

in a part-time capacity in all 

regions of the state. 

Police negotiators respond 

to 150 incidents per year on 

average, including suicide 

intervention, hostage 

situations and barricaded 

offenders, as well as incidents 

of kidnapping and extortion. 

Negotiators can also be 

deployed to low risk incidents 

where they can assist officers 

in the performance of 

their duties, for example, 

by providing a liaison 

function during protests and 

demonstrations. 

As well as responding to 

domestic incidents, the 

QPS maintains a counterterrorism 

negotiator response 

through participation in the 

National Counter Terrorism 

Committee’s Counter 

Terrorism Negotiator Course. 

The QPS currently has 27 

qualified negotiators who 

have attended this course. 

The Special Emergency 

Response Team (SERT) 

provides Queensland with a 

tactical response to incidents 

exceeding the capabilities of 

general duties police. SERT 

assistance may be requested 

for planned incidents such 

as execution of high risk 

searches or arrest warrants, or 

for spontaneously occurring 

incidents such as sieges 

involving weapons. 

SERT supports negotiators 

and other police on the 

scene of high risk incidents, 

providing a safe environment 

for negotiations to occur, as 

well as containing threats and 

providing emergency tactical 

intervention as required. SERT 

also provides assistance to all 

areas of the Service requiring 

specialist equipment and skills 

for low risk operations such 

as rural drug searches or a 

specialist roping capability. 

The Explosive Ordnance 

Response Team (EORT) 

attends to incidents involving 

the presence or threatened 

use of improvised explosive 

devices, home made 

explosives, booby traps or 

other explosive devices, as 

well as chemical, biological 

and radiological incidents. 

36 


going gets 

tough 

An Explosive Ordnance Response Team bomb technician demonstrates a bomb suit, worn to safely 

move forward and examine suspect devices. Robots are deployed whenever the circumstance has the 

potential to impact on the safety of police or members of the public. 

EORT is able to assist police 

investigating explosions by 

offering expert advice on 

any of these devices, and by 

reconstructing and testing 

electrical equipment to 

submit as evidence in court. 

In dangerous or emergency 

situations, such as a chemical 

spill or where there is a risk of 

detonation, the team is able 

to deploy robots to assist in 

safely defusing the situation. 

Robots are used whenever 

the circumstance has the 

potential to impact on the 

safety of police or members 

of the public, including 

delivering or recovering items 

during sieges where the 

offender is armed. 

Together, these three 

teams of experts 

remain at the ready to 

provide a formidable 

response where 

the risk or degree 

of technical skill 

required presents 

overwhelming 

and unacceptable 

challenges to 

operational police. 

By Senior Sergeant 

Kevin Curreri, 

Negotiator 

Coordination Unit 

Police Negotiators respond to around 150 incidents per year, 

and are responsible for bringing a peaceful conclusion to 

potentially tragic incidents. 


Breaking the 

cycle of violence 

The Domestic and Family 

Violence (D&FV) Unit, within 

the Policing Advancement 

Branch, is facing a particularly 

busy time at the moment. 

The Queensland Government 

strategy, For our Sons and 

Daughters: a Queensland 

Government strategy to 

reduce domestic and family 

violence 2009-2014, contains 

a detailed yearly plan of 

action for all Government 

agencies. There are a number 

of tasks the Queensland 

Police Service (QPS) is directly 

responsible for. 

The D&FV Unit is nonoperational. 

Unlike general 

duties officers, members 

do not patrol the streets 

in marked police cars or 

respond to calls for service 

as part of their daily duties. 

Instead the unit’s mandate is 

to develop, implement and 

coordinate a Service-wide, 

quality policing response to 

domestic and family violence. 

The D&FV Unit strives to 

achieve these goals by 

working collaboratively 

with government and 

non-government agencies. 

The unit actively supports 

a statewide network of 

Domestic Violence Liaison 

Officers (DVLO), and 

members of the Service 

generally, in relation to the 

policing of domestic and 

family violence. 

Acting Inspector Leonie 

Fordyce of the D&FV Unit 

said one of the actions for 

the QPS in the whole-ofgovernment 

strategy was to 

consult in the review of the 

Domestic and Family Violence 

Protection Act 1989. 

“The legislation hasn’t been 

comprehensively reviewed 

since it was introduced in 

1989; that’s more than 20 

years,” Acting Inspector 

Fordyce said. 

“It’s very significant that 

the Service is part of the 

consultation process, as this 

legislation is owned by the 

Department of Communities, 

rather than the police. 

“Having key members of the 

Queensland Police Service 

involved acknowledges the 

critical part police officers 

play in managing domestic 

violence, and the Service has 

committed a full-time senior 

sergeant to the review team.” 

A second significant initiative 

keeping the D&FV Unit busy, 

along with officers from 

Central Region, is the trial of 

a new service delivery model 

taking place in Rockhampton. 

While not a new concept, 

Acting Inspector Fordyce 

said the Breaking the Cycle 

of Domestic and Family 

Violence trial represented 

a formalisation of a fully 

coordinated approach to 

supporting individuals and 

families affected by domestic 

violence in Queensland. 

“The initiative aims to 

improve the safety and wellbeing 

of those affected by 

domestic and family violence 

by linking community 

support, legal and court 

services. A case coordination 

team has been established, 

which includes a senior 

sergeant of police, a child 

safety officer and a specialist 

domestic and family violence 

worker. 

“Some families and 

individuals require more 

intensive ongoing support 

because of multiple and often 

long standing problems, 

which extend beyond 

domestic and family violence. 

These issues could include a 

history of abuse, substance 

misuse, mental health issues, 

unemployment or financial 

stress. 

“The team will undertake 

to assess risk and identify 

safety support needs of 

the individuals and families 

referred to them and 

ensure coordinated service 

responses, working closely 

with case management and 

support services.” 

The consultation paper for 

the legislative review was 

launched in March for a 

three month period, and 

the Breaking the Cycle trial 

will run for 20 months with 

a full evaluation report on 

the trial’s results due back to 

government by 2011. 

Acting Inspector Fordyce said 

her enthusiasm for the new 

strategy mirrored the feelings 

of her colleagues in the 

Domestic and Family Violence 

Unit and the wider police 

service. 

“This strategy in its entirety 

is geared towards working in 

partnership to achieve quality 

outcomes for those affected 

by domestic and family 

violence,” she said. 

The Policing Advancement Branch is a diverse collection 

of services that support the operations of frontline police. 

The units that fall under the branch include Education 

and Training; Drug and Alcohol Coordination; Domestic 

and Family Violence; Operational Research and Advisory 

Unit; Service Operational Procedures; the Mental Health 

Intervention Project; and the Queensland Police-Citizens 

Youth Welfare Association. 

38

FRoM CoMMissioneR ATKinson - Queensland Police Service ...

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