90 OFFICERS INDUCTED INTO POLICE SERVICE

Police Minister Jack Dempsey has welcomed 90 new police officers to the Queensland Police Service after they graduated from the QPS Academy at a ceremony in Oxley this afternoon.

Mr Dempsey said the state’s newest police officers had completed the 25-week recruit training program to become First Year Constables (FYC).

“I know from experience that being a police officer is a job like no other and extremely satisfying,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Each of these FYCs has shown they have the commitment, dedication and skills needed to help protect the people of Queensland.

“Within this graduated intake, we see officers ranging in age from 19 to 54 and with financial advisors, landscapers, child care workers and police officers from overseas amongst the cohort.

“They will bring enthusiasm and unique life experiences and skills to their new roles. I congratulate them on their incredible achievement and wish them all the best in their careers.”

The induction ceremony also saw the swearing-in of one Queensland Police Service Firearms Explosive Detection Dog, Pezz, who will be deployed to the Explosive Ordinance Response Team in Brisbane.

Commissioner Ian Stewart congratulated the 79 male and 11 female constables on their graduation and announced they would be deployed to the Central, Brisbane, South Eastern, Northern and Southern Regions.

“This is a proud moment for me in my role as Commissioner, but also for the families, friends and other support networks. I would like to thank them for all the support they have provided to this point, as they see the completion of their loved ones’ education as a police officer,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“It is my vision that these new constables will be courageous, fair and proud in their duties as they work to stop crime, make the community safer and build relationships.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the Education and Training Command staff at the Queensland Police Service Academy, both police officers and staff members, who have taught, mentored and shaped the officers who have graduated today.

“I wish luck to every officer in their career and feel confident they will uphold the QPS standards of excellence and service.”

The officers will be initially deployed to the following areas:
Mackay (6)
Rockhampton (6)
Gladstone (3)
Bundaberg (3)
Gympie (3)
North Brisbane (14)
South Brisbane (14)
Toowoomba (4)
Ipswich (5)
Caboolture (3)
Redcliffe (4)
Mt Isa (5)
Logan (12)
Gold Coast (8)

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Police target crime with new technology

myPolice QPS News

Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett at Suncorp Stadium yesterday

Police will soon be able to target crime hot spots by digitally capturing number plates with the help of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett said the expansion of ANPR to broader purposes could include using the technology to identify the movements of vehicles or people implemented in criminal offences.

“ANPR is an efficient technology that will be used as an additional tool to help police investigations,” Deputy Commissioner Barnett said.

Addressing privacy concerns, Deputy Commissioner Barnett said accountability mechanisms would ensure the appropriate deployment of ANPR units.

“ANPR units will only be deployed for broader law enforcement purposes under the authority of a commissioned officer,” said Deputy Commissioner Barnett.

The ANPR units will be trialled over a period of 12 months in unmarked vehicles, after which it will be thoroughly evaluated.

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Don’t lose your kids at the Ekka

myPolice QPS News

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart is urging parents and carers to avoid losing children at the Ekka by collecting free wristbands and organising a meeting point should they become separated.

The initiative has proved successful at the Ekka over a number of years, helping police easily identify lost children and reuniting them with their parents and carers. In 2012 about 45 children and in 2011 about 86 children were separated from their carers at the Ekka and all were reunited.
Commissioner Stewart said it was distressing for all involved if children and parents were separated.
“We strongly encourage the use of the wristbands. Parents and carers can avoid some of the distress by discussing with their children what to do should they become separated,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“On arrival at the Ekka, parents should show their children where the police station is located, teach them how to identify a police officer and explain that they need to find a police officer if they become lost.”
Parents and carers are encouraged to record their names and contact details on the underside of the wristband so they aren’t visible to the general public.
The free wristbands will be available from the Exhibition Police Station which is the high set wooden building located about 50 metres from Gate 1 on Gregory Terrace.
 Schools or community groups bringing large groups of children to the Ekka are encouraged to register their attendance with police prior to attending the Ekka.  This will enable Police to quickly contact the relevant carers, should a child become separated from the group.
 To register the attendance of a school or large group of children please contact the Fortitude Valley Crime Prevention Unit via email crimepreventionValley@police.qld.gov.au or call 3737 5680. More information can also be viewed on the QPS YouTube site. Police encourage parents to know where their children are at all times.
 A separate police display at the Ekka is open from 9am to 7pm daily for the duration of the show.

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Happy Birthday to all the Horses - 1/8/13

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Police to trial mobile data benefits

Police are bringing the office to the road with a mobile data trial scheduled to start in October, Police Minister Jack Dempsey announced today.

Mr Dempsey said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) had designed a program for mobile devices which let police officers search their computer system while on the beat.

“In October, 50 officers across the state will be issued with either a smart phone or tablet device with a custom built Police app which will let them instantly search person, vehicle and address details through QPS, CRIMTRAC and Department of Transport systems,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Currently officers have to use the two way radio system to call a Police Communications Centre to have a search performed.

“They often have to wait while a radio operator takes the details, checks the information and then relays the results back to the officer.

“During a busy period an officer may have to wait for the results of their request.

“With the mobile system, police officers will have all that information at their fingertips, saving officers’ waiting time and allowing them to move on to other jobs.

“It is hoped that by reducing the time it takes to perform searches, this Police app will save each police crew around 30 minutes each shift.

“The QPS will speak regularly to the 50 officers who are trialling the app to see if these benefits are being realised and to ensure the app is performing as intended.

“The State Government is committed to finding ways to maximise police officers’ time on the road protecting the people of Queensland.”

Mr Dempsey said the QPS had also recently purchased 400 mini iPads which were set to be trialled soon.

“The officers issued these iPads will test the functionality of a new email and mobile intranet system,” he said.

“It is hoped that by giving operational officers this access, they can check their emails from the road rather than having to do it at the beginning or end of their shift in the Police Station.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart said mobile data would support police officers on the frontline as they make decisions at the coal face.

“This will help deliver a more efficient and improved policing service to the community,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“The mobile data will help the QPS become flexible and responsive within problem areas, and also boost safety for officers.

“Being able to search the police database while on the road is of huge assistance to the Service and feedback from officers who use the technology will be invaluable.”


Willow Vale Community & Neighbourhood Watch shared Mark Boothman MP's status.

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MISSING PERSONS WEEK 2013:

myPolice QPS News
How staying connected can help your children stay safe.

With almost 4,500 children under the age of 18 reported missing in Queensland in the 2011/2012 financial year, police are urging parents to think ahead in order to keep their children from becoming one of the many reported missing each year.
With a theme of “See the signs before they disappear”, Missing Persons Week 2013 is focused on helping people recognise the warning signs and how to put in place a plan to help protect those who are most at risk from becoming a missing person.
“While most of the children reported missing each year are located safe and well within a short period of time, we do have cases that stretch on for longer. This is understandably traumatic for families involved and in many cases, could have been avoided or prevented,” Detective Superintendent Steve Holahan of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Group said.
Over the last few years the Queensland Police Service has been working with a number of organisations and partner agencies focused on providing and promoting important safety tools and resources.
In 2011 the Queensland Police Service teamed up with 1800 Reverse (1800 738 3773) to promote a campaign aimed at encouraging parents to consider implementing a back-up plan with their children.
1800 Reverse (1800 738 3773) is a tool that allows people to check-up and check-in. The service works on mobile phones and payphones, and is also available from out of credit prepaid mobiles. There is no charge to the caller and with the receiver given the option to accept the call, parents can ensure their child has access to a last resort service they can use at any hour of the day and in any circumstance.
“Working in partnership with the Queensland Police, our service provides another option to help people connect with their loved ones and stay stafe. 1800 Reverse is used on a call by call basis, and is accessible 24-7 from out-of-credit mobiles and payphones,” Charles Slaughter from 1800 Reverse said.
Operation Homefree was relaunched by the Queensland Police Service in 2010. The service is provided by Greyhound Australia and provides children who are reported missing a free trip home. Any child aged between 12 and 18 and reported missing to police who volunteers themselves to a police station can use the service. A police officer will arrange the seat and the Greyhound bus will get them to their destination. A police officer will also meet them at their arrival point.
Last year, the Australian Police Child ID App, a smartphone application was launched in a bid to help parents provide critical information to police should their child ever go missing.
Developed by the Australian Federal Police and adapted from a similar tool created by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the application helps parents provide information to police in the event of a child going missing. Available from the “App Store” (at no cost for iPhone and Android users), the tool allows the family to store vital information and photographs about their children on their mobile phone (in the event it is needed to send to police) and also includes important safety information for parents and guardians.
Missing Persons Week 2013 runs from July 28-August 3. For more information visit www.missingpersons.gov.au
For a list of missing persons across Queensland – visit the QPS website at www.police.qld.gov.au/
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Missing Persons : Home

www.missingpersons.gov.au

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ATM skimming devices, Brisbane

July 18, 2013 at 8:06 am

Police are warning members of the public to be on alert for ATM card skimming devices fitted to ATM’s. A device similar to the one pictured below was fitted to an ATM in the Ascot area this week.

The skimming device (pictured below) is used to steal and use identification data from financial institution cards.

Once this information has been obtained, it is used in various ways to take money from the customer’s account.

The device is a cover plate placed over the original card entry and a small camera (the tiny dot to the bottom left side of the device) attached to record your PIN.

It is believed that all information data obtained by the skimming devices has been retrieved by police and security of the credit card details has not been compromised.

Police remind members of the public to be vigilant when using ATMs and use simple security actions such as covering your hand when entering your personal identification number.

Information of how to identify a card skimming device can be found at:

If anyone believes that they have located a skimming device on an ATM they should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

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