Brief History 1980 - 2000
| 1980 - Computerisation | |
| In April 1980, a new computerised message switching system was put into use throughout the State, giving Queensland one of the most effective police communication systems in Australia. | |
| 1987 - Fitzgerald Inquiry | |
| Throughout the late 1980's the Force was upturned by the Fitzgerald Commission of Inquiry which began its public hearings in July 1987. At the conclusion of the inquiry on July 3, 1989, a report was handed down which recommended comprehensive changes across the entire Force. The Fitzgerald Report was the catalyst and platform for reform which was designed to restore police and public confidence in the administration and to improve political processes. The focus was on the future, not on the past. Amongst the wide variety and large number of reforms community policing was promoted as the primary policing strategy with policing again becoming a neighbourhood affair. With the passing of the new Police Act in 1990, the Police Force became the Police Service, and a policy of 'civilianisation' was adopted throughout the Service. The old motto 'Firmness with Courtesy' was replaced by 'With Honour We Serve'. The organisation of the Service was divided into three commands - Regional, Task Force and Support Service, and restructured along regional lines, with increased levels of authority and responsibility for commanding officers at regional, district and divisional levels. The wide scope of the reforms recommended in the Fitzgerald Report necessitated a continuous process of change. | |
| 1993 - PSMC Report | |
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A review of the Service was made by the Public Sector Management Commission in early 1993. The purpose of the review was to identify priorities for improving management of the Service in the 1990's as well as assessing the progress of the Queensland Police Service in the post-Fitzgerald period. This review reported that considerable changes had been made over the past few years, especially in terms of recruitment, training, community relations and regionalisation of decision making. Its major recommendations relate to: - implementation of a revised organisational structure with clearly defined Operations, Operations Support and Corporate Service management streams; and - delegation of further responsibilities to direct the core business task of policing. The Service has come a long way from the days of mounted troopers and arduous conditions.Throughout the past 129 years, developments have gradually been made to make the Queensland Police Service technically and scientifically advanced, and well on the way to "being a professional Police Service, dedicated to excellence and committed to working in partnership with the people of Queensland to enhance the safety and security of our community." | |
| 1997 - Police Strength | |
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There are 6836 sworn staff and 2517 staff members at 332 stations throughout the State. | |
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Queensland Parliament introduced major law reform with amendments to the Criminal Code, which came into effect on 1 July 1997, and the enactment of the Police Powers and Reponsibility Act 1997, which provides police with powers necessary for modern effective policing. | |
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The Volunteers in Policing (VIP) trial programme was initiated. | |
| 1998 - New Initiatives and Technologies | |
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The use of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray was trialed in pilot areas. | |
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A New Interactive Crime Scene Recording System (ICSRS) was developed during the year by QPS personnel. This technology enables police to review a crime scene to verify events through computer imaging. The system has significant potential for use in the courtroom, simplifying the presentation of large amounts of photographic evidence. | |
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New equipment issued: Glock semi-automatic pistol, extendible batons and hinged handcuffs. | |
| 1999 - Speed Detection | |
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New Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) laser-based detection devices are deployed on Queensland roads. | |
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The Traffic Camera Office introduced a computerised Integrated Traffic Camera System early in 1999 to minimise the time delay between the detection of an offence and the issue of an infringement notice, and to enhance service to motorists with enquires about camera detected offences. | |
| There are 7488 sworn staff (17.4% females) and 2954 staff members at 382 stations (figure includes Police Beats and Police Beat Shopfronts) throughout the State. (as of June 30 1999) | |
Last Updated: 18/11/2008