THE largest rapid response unit in Queensland policing history has been unveiled, with the new Queensland Police State Flying Squad targeting the worst juvenile and adult offenders.
The specialist team comprises 58 officers, will triple the size of former flying squads and integrate Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion.
The State Flying Squad will bolster the police frontline across Queensland and have the firepower to ensure teenage criminals are held to account through the Making Queensland Safer Laws.
More than $32 million in funding over five years has been committed to the squad, which will absorb officers currently attached to operations including Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion.
Premier David Crisafulli said bolstering Queensland’s crime offensive with the largest ever police flying squad was paramount to restoring public safety.
“Under our Government, police will have the resources they need combined with our Making Queenslander Laws. That includes Adult Crime, Adult Time which is now law,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“This squad will strike at the heart of crime and help restore community safety across the state.
“Backed by our tough Making Queensland Safer Laws, the State Flying Squad represents a new era of policing and will give communities the backup needed, when they need it.
“We are throwing the kitchen sink at turning the tide on a decade of runaway crime under Labor.
“Queenslanders deserve safety and police deserve support; we are delivering on both to wrestle back control and end the Youth Crime Crisis,” he said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said it was an important step towards solving the crime crisis and supporting police.
“For ten years, the previous Labor Government clipped the wings of our frontline officers by not giving them the resources they needed to do their jobs,” Mr Purdie said.
“Our new State Flying Squad will be able to deploy at a moment’s notice into any corner of Queensland, providing on-the-ground support to police on the frontline who need it most.
“Youth offenders and high-risk criminals will be a major focus for the new Squad, which will be able to utilise the Making Queensland Safer Laws and restore safety where you live.”
Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said the Police Service welcomed the allocation of funding which would increase State Flying Squad by 41 full-time staff.
“In doing so, it will reaffirm our commitment to community safety and addressing youth crime by allowing the State Flying Squad to continue the highly successful work performed by Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion,” she said.
“The investment strengthens our targeted operations capability, ensuring we have resources needed to respond quickly and effectively to crime hotspots across Queensland.”
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