Queensland Police have called for stronger legislation to define their core duties, after a review found “mission creep” was impacting service delivery.
Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy said the results of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) 100-Day Review marked a pivotal step toward modernising the organisation.
Acting Commissioner Chelepy said the review assessed whether the QPS continued to be aligned with its legislative mandate, as well as looking at ways to better support the workforce and the evolving needs of Queensland communities.
He said it found that while officers and staff delivered exceptional results under pressure, the QPS had experienced significant “mission creep”.
“Officers (are) increasingly tasked with non-core functions such as mental health response, domestic and family violence case management, and prisoner transport.
“This has contributed to resource strain, workforce fatigue and reduced operational agility.”
Acting Commissioner Chelepy said the review made 65 recommendations, including legislative reform to clearly define core policing responsibilities under the Police Service Administration Act.
He said it was also recommended that a QPS Service Charter and Demand Management Framework be developed and a shift made from centralised corporate support to a locally-led, centrally-supported model.
Review Panel member, Brett Pointing, a former QPS Deputy Commissioner said the advisory panel found a “dedicated and hard-working frontline doing their best, but who are suffering fatigue and need additional support”.
“The Independent Advisory Panel are confident the 65 recommendations in the report provide a solid blueprint for reform. This reform will ensure the QPS is a highly accountable and responsive organisation dedicated to the safety of the community of Queensland.”
Read the report: Commissioner’s 100-Day Review.
